Glorious Gardens

Working with Glorious Gardens is a great experience from the first visit to the completion of the project. They worked with us on color palette and plant preferences while considering terrain, soil, and light/shade conditions. Together, we worked out a schedule and budget, both of which were met. In fact, they suggested ways we might get the look we wanted at less cost. We asked for plants that would attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Glorious Gardens promised we would have them, and we do. Our front and back yards are now far more interesting and exciting than grass ever was and we're saving on water usage because, in addition, to native plants, they installed a drip system. When we ask for ongoing advice, they provide it. Based on our experience, we have made successful referrals.

From design to planting (and beyond!) Linda and Emma did a thorough and professional job. We met first to discuss ideas, and preferences for the types of plants I wanted to have in my yard. After receiving a detailed quote we proceeded with the job. We wanted a drought resistant, yet lush looking yard and we got exactly what we wanted. I highly recommend this team! They do beautiful work.

Linda and Emma were outstanding in taking our yard plans and turning it into reality. Emma took the time to visit a nursery with us and explore the various plant options. Her knowledge of horticulture was a tremendous benefit. She knew which plant options would work and which plants options could cause an issue over time. We relied more and more on her expertise in guiding our decisions. Linda impressed us with her relaxed manner in managing our project which included the complete demolition of our original yard and hard-scape and overseeing the reconstruction. We greatly appreciated her advice on the general layout of our yard and keeping our finances in check. Both Emma and Linda were extremely patient as we asked many questions and encountered period of indecision. We highly recommend Glorious Gardens.

My husband and I were beyond pleased with the re-landscaping of our front yard. Linda and Emma are very professional and kept us in the loop on every phase of the job. We weren't sure just what we wanted, and they worked with us regarding choices of plants, colors, etc., and gave us suggestions when we were in doubt. They always left the worksite clean each day when they left. The workers they used were also good; prompt, polite and meticulous. With their guidance we ended up with an outstanding Xeriscape and many of our neighbors have commented about it and how much they like it. We would not hesitate to recommend them and would be happy to have people drive by our home to see the finished product. As far as I'm concerned, they are a dynamic duo! Joan Jones

Our home had a 1,100 sq. ft. front lawn that was ugly and in poor health. This lawn was serving no purpose, and required a lot of water. We were impressed by the Glorious Gardens website and the reviews, so made an appointment for a consultation, and met with Emma. We liked her professionalism, her attentiveness to our ideas, and the suggestions she made as to colors, materials, and plants that would work together. Next we drove by the references Emma provided, and spoke with one of the owners of a property we were admiring in Encinitas. This gentleman spoke enthusiastically about how great Emma and Linda were, and that he highly recommended Glorious Gardens. We decided to go ahead with the project. Work started on the day promised, and finished on the expected date - five very full days of work during a humid heatwave. The final cost was very close to the itemized estimate. Our premises were left clean and tidy at the end of each day. We were amazed by how hard both women worked along with their two employees. Linda added a couple drains, and revived a barely working drain coming from the backyard that a professional plummer couldn't fix after two hours of trying. Our project involved contouring the yard, adding numerous large boulders with a crane, making paths with decomposed granite, planting about 50 different species of plants (succulents and other water-wise flowering plants, a Desert Museum paloverde tree, and a striking Kalanchoe beharensis), installing drip irrigation to all plants, and covering the dirt with gravel mulch. The crew also removed a low retaining wall along with the sod. Our yard is now a place of beauty, and we can't wait to see our new plants take off this spring. We get frequent compliments from passersby. Emma and Linda were a pleasure to work with, and always responded immediately to our e-mails and phone messages. Besides being experts, you just know they care about doing a great job!

It may sound like a little over the top, but we are over the moon with the work that Glorious Gardens did for us. Guests who come to our home continually comment on how amazing the landscape is and how complimentary it is to our mid-century modern home. GG transformed it from an overgrown mess to a zen-like, drought tolerant haven filled with succulents, river rock, turf and a really unique gated fence. We were even fortunate enough to qualify for So. Cal Water Smart's rebate program by removing the existing grass/plants and replacing them with turf/rocks etc. If you're looking for a creative, flexible (they allowed us to do our project in 3 phases) and incredibly fast team, this is it! I would highly recommend them for your next project!

Owner/designer Emma Almendarez and her contractor Linda Fox made a miraculous transformation of the property. Emma's artistic design and plant selections created a tapestry like a painting as I look out the windows into the back yard. They created a river bed in the front and used the color palate I wanted. I could tell I was working with women as they were hard working, conscientious, focused, listened to my thoughts, wants, and dislikes and immaculately cleaned up after themselves. Above and beyond what was required, they placed an ad in Craig's list and found another homeowner looking for plants for his yard. He came over and picked up my old plants and bushes that still had lots of life left in them. At one month, they came back to the residence to check for any problems and replaced the few plants that didn't survive the shock of transplant. I am already saving 30-40% in my water bill every month, and should be greater savings in the second year.