Designing a garden is about creating relationships: the relationship between a home's interior with the outdoors; between the client's personal style and the need for functionality; and between natural elements and constructed ones. I believe the most important relationship, however, is the one forged between the client and the designer.
I work closely with each client to determine the design style that would best suit them. I've found that clients often wish to include one or more of the following:
Special views — such as mountains, water or city lights. Good landscape design can enhance views and pique the imagination.
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Sanctuaries — quiet and separate from the world, healing places. Good landscape design can nurture both emotionally and spiritually.
A pleasant drive-by picture — Good landscape design will enhance a home's curb appeal and increase its value too.
My designs feature low maintenance Mediterranean and native plants that encourage low water use, protect and enhance views, and discourage both invasive and allergenic plants. I strive to make a pleasing year-round statement by using trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials in combination with hardscape elements to create a garden that is unique to each space and one that meets the client's needs and dreams too.
Contact Sharon Petersen, (925) 672-7729
2007-2008 President - East Bay District, Association of Professional Landscape Designers®