We garden organically, and take seriously the feedback we get from the environment.  If something isn't working, we use our experience and knowledge to seek out new, site specific solutions. We implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM), reduce inputs of foreign soil and fertilizers into your garden while reducing the output of native soil and plants. We practice sustainability, recycling and the re-purposing of on-site material whenever possible.

As our name suggests, our passion is for native plants that will lead to low water and labor gardens, thriving in their natural habitat. We design with an eye for a sense of place in the garden highlighting the elements that make where we live so wonderful, and have a particular fondness for dynamic and organic compositions. Please take a look at our Instagram feed for a better sense of the textures and color aesthetics we embrace.

Obviously the most important factor in the landscaping of your garden is you. While we will always try and steer you to sustainable solutions, our most important desire is to act as a 'native guide', leading from the starting point of your vision towards a garden than can make both you and your plants happy and healthy. Our goal is the long term health and sustainability of your garden.  We work with the aim that your garden thrives more and more on its own over time.

Julie

Julie, much like her passion, is a California native - born and raised in the Bay Area. After graduating from San Jose State with a degree in Art, she went on to complete her A.A. in Ornamental Horticulture from Foothill College in 2005. Throughout her studies she worked at Yerba Buena Nursery, Middlebrook Gardens and other Bay Area plant-related businesses, where she developed her passion for native plants. With a move to San Francisco in 2005 she started concentrating full-time on designing, installing and maintaining residential and estate gardens and growing organic vegetables in urban and suburban settings. She has since developed a love of floral arrangement and has created designs for a number of clients and a variety of events. When she isn’t working, she can be found roller skating, baking or chasing her twins at the playground.

Brenna

Originally from North Carolina, Brenna started her gardening career farming organic vegetables, and eventually managing nurseries in the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about creating sustainable, ecologically integrated garden spaces that mimic the native landscape. When not in the garden, Brenna can be found foraging mushrooms or hanging out with the sheep at Hidden Villa Farm, where she lives with her partner and cat, Mouse.

Chic

Chic transitioned out of retail work in Connecticut and into the Bay Area horticultural scene over a decade ago and has been fascinated with plants ever since. They enjoy working with their hands in an outside environment that supports learning and growth as an important component of their quality of life, not just their career. Chic is most interested in learning about native plants and ecologies through their work at Wild Natives and the Horticultural program at Merritt College. Their favorite task is installing new plants in the garden. When they aren’t out in the garden they can be found cooking, baking or crocheting. 

Anna Elise

Growing up in eastern Washington State, Anna Elise was surrounded by agricultural community and immersed in gardening early on. Her love of plants continued to blossom in working with tropical houseplants in the Bay Area, which sparked interest in and knowledge of Integrated Pest Management. A certified Permaculture designer, she loves incorporating edible plants along with California natives into residential landscapes and gardens. When not gardening, you can find Anna Elise hiking with her golden retriever, appreciating the public open spaces and looking for native plants in their environment.  

Ron

Ron grew up in Southern California, but has lived in the Bay Area for more than 25 years. Recently, he left a job in the Travel industry working as an IT support specialist to pursue a new career in landscape design and maintenance. Travel continues to be a passion of his, and he has taken trips around the world to visit amusement parks and to ride unique and exciting roller coasters - another passion. He swims with the Tsunami Synchronized swim team, and often does volunteer gardening at Tunnel Top Park. He is currently enrolled at City College of San Francisco working on a degree in Environmental Horticulture. As a member of the California Native Plant Society, Ron is committed to incorporating native plants into his garden designs whenever possible. Native plants attract native pollinators, and our urban landscapes benefit from having both.

Molly

Bio coming soon!

Fine Gardener

We are looking for experienced fine gardeners or recent graduates with either an AA degree in Horticulture or relevant experience (Nurseries, landscaping, etc …) to work as part time employees for our estate and residential gardening business. We anticipate this being a long-term relationship and are looking for people committed to sustainable and best horticultural gardening practices.

Requirements:

-     2+ years gardening field experience or AA in Horticulture

-       Must own your own basic gardening tool kit (pruners, saw, hori hori, broom, rake, dust pan, shovel, bucket, etc.)

-       Knowledge of botanical and/or common names of basic plant materials

-       Must own a reliable vehicle; our job sites are not easily reached by other methods of transportation

-       Must be able to perform garden-related heavy labor tasks for extended periods of time, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

-       Available for at least 18 hours/week

-       This is a part-time employed position with associated benefits.

Additional beneficial experience:

-       Experience with vegetable and/or native plants

-       Carpentry or irrigation experience

-       Experience managing subcontractors or gardening crews

-       Working with the public and dealing professionally with diverse personalities

-       Friendly, easy-going disposition

-       A truck to transport materials

Job details:

-       General fine garden maintenance of gardens in and around Los Altos and Palo Alto

-       We garden as sustainably as possible, using native plants and best horticultural practices. No chemicals or fertilizers, no CO2 producing machinery.

-       Tasks include, but are not limited to: moving mulch and compost, weeding, watering, planting, pruning, plant removal, irrigation installation and retrofitting, clean up, operating a wood chipper, blowing leaves, raking, sweeping, power washing, trimming hedges and vines, double digging, composting, fertilizing, and mowing lawns.

-       You will work alone and/or with other gardeners, mostly under direct supervision

-       Pay based on experience.

If interested, please apply below. Be sure to include details of your gardening experience. Also of use but not essential would be a resume, references, and photos of your work or student portfolio.

Apply