--- title: "SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sp-gardens-susanna-pagan-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1006706501 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1006706501.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e973cbde0e80db38_5841-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3451 Via Montebello, Suite 192-415, Carlsbad, California 92009, United States" latitude: 33.0954 longitude: -117.2619 phone: "(858) 342-8667" website: https://spgardens.com rating: 5 review_count: 28 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 229 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design > Custom Craftsmanship & Landscape Solutions in San Marcos, CA Original Houzz profile: [SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sp-gardens-susanna-pagan-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1006706501) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Carlsbad, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, San Marcos, La Costa, Encinitas, Poway, Solana Beach, Cardiff By The Sea, Rancho Santa Fe, Ranch Santa Fe - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (28 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Published nationally Susanna's designs have been featured in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine, Modern Luxury Interiors California, as well as other publications. She was awarded the Best of Houzz over multiple years, in Customer Satisfaction. She is also the winner of 8 awards for her design for the SD Horticulture Society display garden at the SD County Fair Floral and Garden Show 2012. Susanna Pagan Landscape Design, (SP Gardens), is a full service landscape design company established in April of 2005. Susanna Pagan combines her passion for art, architecture, and landscape, bringing her flair for beautiful color, creative solutions, and love of gardening to every landscape she touches! She also served on the SD Horticultural Society's Board, as the Public Relations Coordinator, from 2012-2016. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Design Consultation - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Edible Gardens - Natural Swimming Pools - Potted Plants ### Areas Served - San Diego - Oceanside - Escondido - Carlsbad - San Marcos - La Costa - Encinitas - Poway - Solana Beach - Cardiff By The Sea - Rancho Santa Fe - Ranch Santa Fe ### Typical Job Cost $2,800 - 7,000 Costs based on the size of the landscape to be designed, front and backyard, or one or the other, features desired such as a pool or difficult terrain, and location of the project/ City requirements. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design | | Address | 3451 Via Montebello, Suite 192-415, Carlsbad, California 92009, United States | | Phone | (858) 342-8667 | | Website | https://spgardens.com | | Followers on Houzz | 229 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/sp-gardens/115223925181846 - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/spgardens - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/susannapagan ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sp-gardens-susanna-pagan-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1006706501) - **Website:** https://spgardens.com - **Phone:** (858) 342-8667 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz multiple years. From the SD County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Show 2012: Don Diego Award, the Unique Landscape Award for , the Environmental Award, The Dee Benett Rose Award, the Evergreen Nursery Green Leaf Award, the San Diego County Award, and the Award of Merit. - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2023), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 28 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Domenica Pearl, Jan. 2022** > Once we decided to do a full front and back yard makeover, calling Susanna Pagan Landscape Design was the best decision we made. What impressed us the most about Susanna is her communication and follow-through. She really listened to what we wanted, was able to translate our aesthetic into a well-designed plan within our budget and made herself available to us for questions throughout the entire process. Susanna’s attention to every detail including (but not limited to!) her knowledge of native horticulture, tile selections, color choices, HOA rules and regulations, even lighting and furniture options, is evident in the stunning results of our outdoor spaces. One of our neighbors told us our front yard belongs on a magazine cover…you just can’t beat a compliment like that! We have already recommended Susanna Pagan to anyone who asks and will continue to do so. Thank you Susanna for designing the outdoor spaces of our dreams! **★★★★★ — Bill Bear, Oct. 2019** > Susanna redesigned my entire backyard and did a great job. Very in tune with creative possibilities and it turned out great! Best out there and very reasonable. **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thank you so much, Bill! It was great working with you on your garden redesign! **★★★★★ — HU-333725865, Sept. 2019** > Working with Susanna was a wonderful experience. She listened to what we wanted & took into account we have 4 boys when laying out our front & backyard. Even after completing the plans, Susanna took time to meet with our contractors to make sure they understood what to do, were installing the right plants & providing feedback based on her experience. We’ve recommended her to friends & people we didn’t know that stopped by because they liked our yard so much. We spend most of our time outdoors now & it brings us so much peace and happiness having such a well thought out, beautiful yard to surround us. Thank you Susanna! **★★★★★ — Claudia & Ron Defibaugh, Sept. 2019** > Susanna was amazing to work with from beginning to finish of our backyard remodel. We first saw an example of Susannas' landscape design at the San Diego Horticulture Garden Tour in Encinitas and loved what she had done. After contacting her she responded in a very timely manner and met with us. We immediately loved her friendly, outgoing personality and her professionalism. Susanna explained the process of her work to us, listened to our input and had great ideas and suggestions on how to incorporate them. Susanna was flexible with changes we had and incorporated our feedback wonderfully into the design. She worked very well with the contractors hired, some recommended by her, and kept checking in to ensure the project was going well. We feel lucky that we got to work with Susanna, she is very talented and has a great eye for design. We are thrilled with the outcome, the selections of plants, materials and colors. We can highly recommend Susanna Pagan Landscape Design. **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > What a fantastic project and clients you both were! Thank you for the lovely review and that you are enjoying your new landscape! - Susanna **★★★★★ — Julia Chernova, Jan. 2019** > Susanna is exceptionally good at what she does. She creates beautiful landscape designs but she doesn't just do it for you, she does it with you. From our initial meeting, we felt listened to and heard by Susanna. She asked a lot of questions to understand our likes and dislikes, she shared her ideas and suggestions, and she really helped us shape our vision for our back and front yard before she started working on the drawings. Susanna set our expectations up-front as far as the timing of each step of the process, and she met all her commitments. Once the design was done, she recommended several contractors to do bids on our project. Based on the bids, she worked with the contractor we selected to make a few changes to the original design to make the project less expensive. She was patient and accommodating, and creative, so, in the end, we were able to get to what we wanted at a lower cost. Throughout the project, Susanna was available for questions, and she came to the property to check on how things were progressing. Susanna has impeccable taste and a great eye for color/shape combinations, so we also relied on her to shop for the accent pieces, and were very happy with what she was able to find. > All in all, we had a great experience working with Susanna and would highly recommend her. **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thank you Julia! It was a pleasure working with you both! I look forward to seeing your garden grow in this year! **★★★★★ — Studio 512, May 2018** > I loved photographing this property for Susanna! She obviously put her heart and soul into it and even went the extra mile to come out early, help throughout, and stay late to make sure everything looked its best. **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thanks for the review Eddie! It was a pleasure working with you on the Hoeck Garden Shoot! You captured it beautifully and spent so much time making sure the shots were great! https://www.houzz.com/projects/1441054/hoeck-residence **★★★★★ — COAT Design Remodel, April 2018** > Susanna Pagan is a leader in outdoor living and sustainable landscape design. There is no question that when I get one of her designs across my desk, I am excited and know I will win the job!! **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thanks Chad! It's been a great pleasure collaborating with you on beautiful properties! **★★★★★ — bajafeelings, Feb. 2018** > My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Susanna. We felt comfortable with her immediately. Susanna let us know how the project would unfold and what we could expect from her as well as what she expected from us, no surprises. Her knowledge of plants was extensive and her guidance allowed us to create a front yard we are extremely proud of. We will use her again for our back yard project!! **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thank you! It was great working with you both! I look forward to working with you again! > Susanna **★★★★★ — Kristie and Mike Howard, Dec. 2017** > We loved working with Susanna! She is very easy to work with, has a great eye and tons of suggestions, and is so accessible. Every time I contacted her for an idea or with a question, she responded almost immediately. I love how she puts all her designs and ideas on Houzz so I could see the plants and hardscape ideas that were incorporated into our design. She also worked very well with the landscapers and hardscape contractors we used and was always available to them when they needed her. I highly recommend Susanna to anyone lucky enough to hire her! **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thank you Kristie! It was a pleasure working with you! I look forward to getting your garden photographed this spring when it has grown in! **★★★★★ — Tom and Sharon Kenney, June 2017** > It has been great working with Susanna. She listens to our ideas and project needs and comes up with wonderful creative designs. She is very personable, responsive and so easy to work with. Her plans are comprehensive and professional. We highly recommend her! **★★★★★ — John Arendsen, March 2017** > Susanna is the greatest! Her artistic flair and ability to digest what you want is amazing. Her attention to detail and sensitivity to your personal objectives and goals is spot on. But most importantly her follow up and ongoing service is exemplary. I would recommend her to anyone anytime. **★★★★★ — Judi Sanders, March 2017** > Susanna did a fabulous job designing landscape changes for my entire yard! This project was a challenge because the basic landscape structure, which had gotten a bit old and tired, was to remain in place while adding in new plants, irrigation and hardscape. It all came together beautifully and my yard is the talk of the neighborhood! I would recommend Susanna- and the crews who brought the design to life- to anyone, and have already done so! Thanks again for a job well done at a reasonable price. **Comment from SP Gardens - Susanna Pagan Landscape Design:** > Thanks Judi! It was great working with you! Loved seeing your garden grown in! ## Selected projects - [Hoeck Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hoeck-residence-pj-vj~1441054) - Location: Cardiff By The Sea, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Cramped tropical style landscape converted into a modern sleek entertaining and play space in Cardiff, Ca. Raise dining space cut into slope and fire feature cut out, are a few of the highlights. Garden installed by Mike Walterhouse Yardscapes and Turner Landscapes. Photographed by Eddie Bojorquez of Studio 512 Spaces - [Jewel Box Addition - La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jewel-box-addition-la-jolla-pj-vj~6678658) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 36 - Description: The owners visualized a jewel box shaped addition. They wanted to create a visually stunning structure with a pop. When the Jewel Box addition is opened up, the usable space both indoors and out are maximized. When we started, the courtyard was overgrown with no cohesive design. The landscape design by Susanna Pagan is truly exceptional. The remodel also included a small powder bathroom upgrade. - [Encinitas Modern Mediterranean Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encinitas-modern-mediterranean-residence-pj-vj~7181067) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: The previous property layout consisted of mismatched concrete and no cohesive feel. Susanna was tasked with replacing the aged patio areas and patio cover with a more modern Mediterranean feel. Features included a raised custom spa area with a deck, a vertical fire feature and seating area, a new covered patio with an outdoor kitchen, bar area, dining area, an edible garden, and intimate patio space along the side yard. The project is currently in progress. - [Valdes 'Miami West' Modern Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valdes-miami-west-modern-design-pj-vj~2137845) - Location: Solana Beach, CA - Photos: 54 - Description: Featured in the March 2018 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Magazine. After my clients purchased their coastal home in Solana Beach, the garden needed an update! They desired a garden that matched their modern vibrant style. Also, the garden did not have a consistent theme or use of consistent materials. New pathways, steps, and walls were added to improve navigating the garden. Photography by Leigh Castelli Photography. - [Leucadia Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leucadia-modern-pj-vj~5822352) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This transformation project included a pool, spa, fireside area, dining space, decking updates, and modern hardscape. The before pictures show the landscape was filled with various raised deck patios, dividing up the yard into smaller cramped spaces. The modern space now has plenty of open space to enjoy day or night. - [Landie Coastal Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landie-coastal-modern-pj-vj~5885900) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This coastal modern landscape transformation turned a boring lawn space with a small patio, into a great place to entertain both kids and adults! Little accents make this space unique, such as the Nova cement tile by Zia Tile on the bbq and the cute custom playhouse. Furniture: Serena and Lily. - [Goodwin Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goodwin-residence-pj-vj~6769215) - Location: San Marcos, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: San Elijo Hills Estates project installed in 2020- 2021. Modern landscape with water features, pool, pool house, outdoor kitchen, and more. - [Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-residence-pj-vj~6641615) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 7 - [As Seen In](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/as-seen-in-pj-vj~3082867) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Mt. Helix Backyard Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-helix-backyard-oasis-pj-vj~2594682) - Location: La Mesa, CA - Photos: 21 - [Casa de Aire y Sol Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-de-aire-y-sol-residence-pj-vj~2229692) - Location: Vista, CA - Photos: 38 - Description: This project was featured in the May 2017 issue of San Diego Home and Garden Magazine. A beautiful property to start with, ocean views and a Spanish style hacienda feel - it was a pleasure to design this space for homeowners John and Janis Arendsen. I worked closely with Chad Arendsen of Chad of All Trades , who was updating the properties architecture and interior. - [LA Jolla - Muirlands Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-jolla-muirlands-beauty-pj-vj~6103888) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 11 - [California Contemporary Rambler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-contemporary-rambler-pj-vj~2586508) - Location: La Mesa, CA - Photos: 15 - [Carlsbad Lagoon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carlsbad-lagoon-residence-pj-vj~228113) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This beautiful ocean view, modern front courtyard, entertaining space, went through a complete transformation. The owners wanted to take their old school beach style front yard and turn it into a more private area for entertaining. A gated courtyard was added to make the front yard space more private and reduce access from street foot traffic, along with a fire bowl, built-in bench seating, fountain and and edible garden. The courtyard was designed around an existing concrete patio - all other h… - [SD County Fair - Award Winning San Diego Horticultural Society Display Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sd-county-fair-award-winning-san-diego-horticultural-society-display-garden-pj-vj~55167) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: In keeping with this year’s San Diego County Fair Garden theme - Cosmic Spaces - garden designer Susanna Pagan has created a celestial garden inspired by Van Gogh’s painting Starry Night. This garden design received 8 awards ranging from Most Unique Landscape to the Environmental Award! Our sustainable garden has a variety of garden features that the average homeowner can recreate in a small yard on a modest budget. The space is ethereal, light and airy and plays on the sky, the moon and the sta… - [Tyree Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tyree-residence-pj-vj~553337) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - Description: Older Encinitas home needing a garden and home revamp. The garden was transformed into a modern space with new clean pathways, courtyard and low water plantings. - [Rademacher Residence - San Elijo Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rademacher-residence-san-elijo-hills-pj-vj~67051) - Location: San Marcos, CA, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This home was recently featured on the San Elijo Hills Backyard Tour. Modern mixed with traditional describes this beautiful entertaining space. An outdoor kitchen/bar, lounging area, and dining space flow into the custom spa, water feature and fire pit with built-in bench seating. Succulents mixed with traditional plantings like lavender, beautiful apple espaliers, and a raised edible garden, come together to create a unique mix. Photos taken and edited by Mehrdad Pazirandeh. - [Slater Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/slater-residence-pj-vj~2137797) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Backyard Remodel - Del Mar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-remodel-del-mar-pj-vj~5576639) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 22 - [Spillis/Bennett Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spillis-bennett-residence-pj-vj~565433) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 29 - Description: Low water, vibrant colors and accents with a dry creek in place of lawn, in the front yard. Back yard fire-side entertaining area, curved pergola and outdoor kitchen space creates a beautiful entertaining space below a their hillside. [See all 37 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sp-gardens-susanna-pagan-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1006706501) ## Ideabooks - [Oien Residence 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182446486/list/oien-residence-2025) — 63 ideas - [Smith 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182341227/list/smith-2025) — 54 ideas - [Droeszler Residence 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181539854/list/droeszler-residence-2025) — 33 ideas - [Keller 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181455243/list/keller-2025) — 51 ideas - [Love Sliter 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181261862/list/love-sliter-2025) — 35 ideas - [Annunziata Landscape 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180630891/list/annunziata-landscape-2025) — 29 ideas - [Casciani Residence 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180515413/list/casciani-residence-2025) — 24 ideas - [Bierle Front Yard 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180415449/list/bierle-front-yard-2025) — 25 ideas - [Pecchio Residence 2025](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179801454/list/pecchio-residence-2025) — 23 ideas - [Harvey Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179109147/list/harvey-residence-2024) — 25 ideas - [Sheena Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178607094/list/sheena-residence-2024) — 27 ideas - [Asper Kawka Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178106940/list/asper-kawka-residence-2024) — 37 ideas - [Grenke Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177912483/list/grenke-residence-2024) — 27 ideas - [Adams Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177479564/list/adams-residence-2024) — 49 ideas - [Junipers Project 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177090201/list/junipers-project-2024) — 15 ideas - [Grove Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/176600356/list/grove-residence-2024) — 16 ideas - [Oveson Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/176429124/list/oveson-residence-2024) — 37 ideas - [Garrett 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/174376616/list/garrett-2024) — 21 ideas - [Rothschild Residence 2024](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173400151/list/rothschild-residence-2024) — 113 ideas - [Bahmani Residence 2023](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170385641/list/bahmani-residence-2023) — 77 ideas [See all 297 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/spagan) ## Community Q&A **Q: Concrete Color** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the color of the concrete - Davis color??? A: It's Pewter Top Cast Concrete color by Davis **Q: what color did you use** *(in Photo Questions)* for the concrete? A: I think it’s pewter top cast concrete **Q: hello! what is the name** *(in Photo Questions)* of that tree-like plant? A: Thank you! **Q: stairs construction** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi - are these poured concrete? Or are they concrete blocks that have been surfaced? A: They are poured concrete. **Q: May I ask the maker of the chairs and loveseat? I love them!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Chairs /loveseat were purchased by my clients maybe eight or so years ago. I don’t know the source. **Q: What is the taller plant in the corner behind the aeonium? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*