VVM Designs

Carol is a highly skilled professional in garden design and in assessing project needs. She has great knowledge about California water tolerant native plants. Carol listened to the elements that were important to my vision and guided me through the choices. Because I wanted to participate in the process she gave me whatever direction was needed and stepped up to lend additional support when questions arose. My garden has become the talk of the neighborhood with neighbors stopping by to remark on it's growth and beauty even two years later. Carol turned our boring water starved lawn into a thriving, colorful garden full of blooms, birds, butterflies, bees and friends!

Carol helped transform my dilapidated garden into a beautiful outdoor space. She responded promptly to my first phone call. Her design was very detailed, she gave me multiple design options to choose from for each area. She then put together the final design proposal and drawing. She also gave us a contractor’s bid document that was very useful, we gave it to the different contractors and were able to compare the quotes. This document also ensured that the quote included everything needed for our job. She was readily available, and involved in every step during the construction, installation etc. My contractor, who had never worked with her before,commented that her drawings were very detailed, and that made the job much easier. I highly recommend her.

My wife and I were having a difficult time deciding on what type of plants and hardscape to replace our 62 year old landscape. Carol came in and listened to us and came up with several options with a variety of plants and hardscape. Carol spent a lot of time getting to know what we thought we wanted and then put it into a plan. We are so happy with the outcome now! Carol came out and worked with the landscape contractor as things were being planted to make sure everything lived up to her expectations. Now we just have to paint the house!

A customer hired us (Applewood Landscaping) to install a full landscape plan in her front and back. I received a design that was made by Carol (VVM Design). It was so easy to read and give a bid to the homeowner. You really know how well a design is made when its understood by the installers. She came by and put where all the plants needed to go and gave us some tips on planting Great job Carol. Loved working with you.

We worked with Carol Vander Meulen, Principal at VVM Designs, to do our backyard and re-do the front yard, and we are delighted with the results. Carol experience and knowledge comes to light when she takes you to the process of understanding what you want to accomplish with the project. Carol has a wealth of information and resources to aid in visualizing your choices in plants, materials and designs. When is time to plant, Carol comes to the site to instruct the contractors to ensure correct placement. The results speak for themselves.

I had VVM design come up with a design for a part of my yard that was barren (except for a half dead quince tree) for years because I just didn't know what to do with it. I was so pleased with the design and then the finished work looked even better. I would hire VVM again in a heartbeat.

VVM Designs is extremely reliable and creative! Carol listens to her clients and works hard to incorporate all ideas while also attending to budgetary needs. The attention to detail and communication with the contractors to bring her drawings to life is also outstanding.

The design company was wonderful to work with. Carol Vander Meulen was an excellent designer and gave us several good options. We chose one of the designs and are very please with the results. There were a number of ground water issues and she solved them very well. We love the back patio and lawn as well as the plantings she recommended. I highly recommend her for landscape design. Her recommendation of the people install the landscaping and patio were also excellent. They were all very professional.

Carol worked with us to create an efficient, attractive plan for our corner lot. We really appreciated the advice on plants to include, and not include. We got so many compliments from our neighbors on how great the landscaping turned out. Our contractor also made a point of saying how much he liked the design. I would definitely recommend VVM Designs.

Carol designed our backyard landscaping. She really listened to what we wanted out of the backyard and came up with a few preliminary designs. One thing that we loved about her services is that she took pictures of our backyard and then used software to show what the yard would look like in 5 years. It She even included furniture examples and decorative pieces (wrought iron wall hangings). It really helped to figure out the layout of everything. Once we met and discussed what we liked and didn't like about each one, she finalized the design and gave us very details plans to pass along to the contractor. She had a working relationship with our contractor so she knew when everything was happening. She came on the planting day and placed all the plants where they needed to be, adjusting the design as needed on the spot. We have recommended her to neighbors and would not hesitate to do so again. When people have seen our yard they comment on how beautiful it is and how it all ties together and they compliment me on a great job. I say thanks but it was all our landscape designer!

We are so very pleased to recommend Carol and VVM Designs. Carol has helped us transform both our front and back yard during a very difficult drought. She really listens to what your likes and dislikes are and makes realistic recommendations to accommodate your budget, our drought conditions and ultimate goal for your outdoor living space. She has worked with us on 4 different projects over the last 2 years. Each time she has been professional, easy to work with, responsive and always goes the extra step to make sure everything is done just right. We could not be more pleased with how everything has turned out and we have saved so much water with our new irrigation and her planning of how much water we use. Not to mention our yard looks beautiful with drought tolerant plants. We have referred her to several friends and would use her again!

Carol transformed our backyard from a sweltering bowling alley to a cool, vibrant, luxurious drought tolerant oasis. We love spending time in our yard since she worked her design magic!