--- title: "Hey Nice Garden — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hey-nice-garden-pfvwus-pf~1635819759 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1635819759.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Hey Nice Garden" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b813308f0fcf8a5d_2699-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "San Clemente, California 92672, United States" phone: "(949) 758-4091" website: http:// rating: 4.9 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 130 last_updated: 2026-08-23 --- # Hey Nice Garden > Orange County's Award Winning Landscape Design & Installation Firm Original Houzz profile: [Hey Nice Garden](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hey-nice-garden-pfvwus-pf~1635819759) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** San Clemente, CA - **Serves:** Santa Ana, Irvine, Oceanside, Orange, Carlsbad, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Tustin, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Encinitas, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Capistrano Beach, North San Diego - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - Woman owned - Verified Hires - Hired on Houzz - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - Woman owned - References available - 1 Verified Hire - 3 Hires on Houzz - Responds Quickly We specialize in medium to large-size residential landscape projects throughout Southern California (OC - North County SD). We love transforming spaces from eyesores into lovely, usable, memorable landscapes. We work with you to discover your needs and vision for your yard and design accordingly. We specialize in water-wise planting that is great for our climate and easy on your water bill. We only work with licensed contractors who install every job with an eye for detail. From irrigation needs to retaining walls, every project is thoroughly thought out and designed to take the entire space into consideration. Let us know how we can help you create the perfect outdoor living space. Get in touch: Email: heather@heynicegarden.studio / yourpalheather@gmail.com Cell: 949-758-4091 Website: heynicegarden.studio ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Swimming Pool Design - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Potted Plants - Dog Run Construction - Deck Building ### Areas Served - Santa Ana - Irvine - Oceanside - Orange - Carlsbad - Costa Mesa - Mission Viejo - Newport Beach - Tustin - Laguna Niguel - San Clemente - Encinitas - Aliso Viejo - San Juan Capistrano - Dana Point - Laguna Hills - Ladera Ranch - Laguna Beach - Laguna Woods - Capistrano Beach - North San Diego ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - $400,000 $25,000 - $400,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Hey Nice Garden | | Address | San Clemente, California 92672, United States | | Phone | (949) 758-4091 | | Website | http:// | | Followers on Houzz | 130 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.instagram.com/heynicegarden/?hl=en - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/heynicegarden - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/hey-nice-garden/68/b1/33 - Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heynicegarden/ ## Offers Featured on HGTV! ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Hey Nice Garden](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hey-nice-garden-pfvwus-pf~1635819759) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (949) 758-4091 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2015 & 2017- Service Award - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Susan Gal, Oct. 2018** > Heather and her team have been a dream to work with. She is the perfect combination of talent, professionalism, and collaboration. > Upon our first meeting Heather listened carefully to our thoughts and concerns regarding our backyard re-design. She made brilliant suggestions and gave us options within our budget. She communicated clearly and concisely with images and incorporated our feedback into her design process. > When Heather presented us with her plans we were beyond thrilled. Her design was exactly what we envisioned for our new garden. We enjoyed the process of selecting plants and were impressed with her extensive knowledge of unique and ideal plants for our zone. She thoughtfully included plants and materials that we liked and added her own marvelous touches to create a beautifully designed, attractive garden. > Heather’s installation crew were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and thorough. We would HIGHLY recommend working with Heather; she’s a real pro that completed our job on time, on budget, and best of all---she’s an absolute delight to work with. **Comment from Hey Nice Garden:** > Susan thank you so much! You were a joy to work with and I'm so excited to see your garden thriving and becoming a special place for you guys to enjoy! ### All 13 reviews **★★★★★ — Robert Meyer Jr., July 2024** > Working with Hey Nice Garden was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Heather, the owner, is incredibly talented and passionate about landscape architecture. She took the time to listen to our vision and needs, and her creative input helped transform our outdoor space into something truly special. > > Heather's professionalism and attention to detail were evident throughout the entire process. She was always available to answer our questions and provided excellent communication at every step. Her team was efficient, respectful, and dedicated to delivering high-quality results. > > The final outcome exceeded our expectations. Our garden is now a beautiful, functional space that we enjoy every day. We highly recommend Hey Nice Garden and Heather to anyone looking to enhance their outdoor environment. Thank you, Heather, for your exceptional work and dedication! **★★★★★ — Cynthia Siedel, Feb. 2021** > I cannot say enough great things about Heather and her team. She perfectly balanced our ideas with her design expertise and came up with a design that we absolutely loved and meet all of our needs - definitely exceeded expectations! The execution of the design was excellent, she was prompt and thorough in her updates and communication and made sure we were happy with the end result. We never had to chase her down for status updates. Her team was a pleasure to work with - incredibly hard-working and responsible. We walk outside now and can't believe that this is now our yard - it is an amazing transformation. I highly recommend Hey Nice Garden. **Comment from Hey Nice Garden:** > Thank you so much Cynthia! You guys were a true joy to work with, thrilled to see your family outside enjoying the new patio, fountain & garden! **★★★★★ — Katie Graceffa, July 2018** > Heather and her contractors were an absolute joy to do business with. Fellow perfectionists with an eye for design and just all around exceptional humans. Our project wrapped right on schedule and while the results are extraordinary I was actually sad to see the crew go! That in and of itself it a rarity. We had initial consultations with 5 or so landscape architects/designers and none of them gave me the warm fuzzies until Heather. Looking at her work online coupled with a quick initial phone call to setup a meeting I had a feeling she was the one for us. Boy was that gut feeling ever accurate! Our project was not a small one and neither my husband or I appreciated the “attitude” we got from several folks in the business. All we ever got from Heather was enthusiasm. She has a super keen eye for design, a crazy amount of plant knowledge and a real knack for taking a jumbled mess of ideas out of one’s head and putting it on paper. We shared ideas back and forth and very quickly got on the same page. When she presented us with the first draft of our concept on paper I was floored. It was exactly what I had envisioned but x1000. I looked forward to every meeting or check in we had with Heather. She is a delightful person and truly made an enormous home project loads of fun. Our project was completed on time (umm...that NEVER happens???) and on budget (also NEVER happens). I’ve lost track of the number of compliments we’ve received from neighbors and passers by. We ourselves could not be more thrilled with the finished product. I feel like we ended up with somethings not totally unique that also compliments our home. A couple months out and the plants are already thriving and starting to fill in. Our curb appeal has gone up exponentially. I would recommend Heather wholeheartedly to anyone looking to revamp their yard. You won’t be sorry you chose her!!! **Comment from Hey Nice Garden:** > Katie you were a dream to work with, thank you so much for the kind words! **★★★★★ — jasherman, Aug. 2016** > Heather designed a beautiful garden for us at our Oakland home. She worked within our budget, designed several distinct areas based on our requests - play area for toddler, decking, adult fire pit area - and picked beautiful/drought tolerant plants, lighting, etc. She also coordinated everything with her contractor and her oversight of the contractor's work was perfect. The project was also completed on time. We highly recommend this company! **Comment from Hey Nice Garden:** > Thank you so much! Hope that toddler area is getting lots of fun play time. **★★★★★ — Kate Whitlow Gross, July 2016** > I actually found Hey Nice Garden after doing some searching here on Houzz. HEATHER IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE AND SO IS HER WORK! > A few points: > 1\. I reached out to 4 or 5 people through Houzz - Heather was one of only two people that got back to me and was the only one that was on top of it and eager to set a time to come meet me and see my yard. > 2\. Immediately loved Heather's vibe and keen sense of style. > 3\. She totally heard what we wanted and then worked with us to take it way beyond expectation. This included creating a site for us on which she uploaded photos and ideas so we could review and get clear on what we wanted and meeting with us regularly throughout the project. > 4\. She was never pushy - it was not about trying to get us to do more or to do what she wanted but about getting the yard to exactly what we wanted at a price that was comfortable. She created super clear outlines of what specific items would cost and let us choose what would work for us. > 5\. She was prompt with every email and interaction. > 6\. Everyone she works with/hired to do the work on our yard was extremely professional and extremely good at what they did (for example building a new deck, installing a hot tub, creating an outdoor kitchen, etc). > 7\. She was a great project manager in addition to being creative and fun to work with. > > If you want professionalism, quality and style, Heather's your gal. **★★★★★ — Sharon Morganelli, July 2016** > Heather transformed our old cracked concrete driveway into a fabulous brick courtyard, with steps flowing down into a lovely big fenced dog area in the canyon! We couldn't have been happier with her design process, the final design drawings, and her oversight of the installation. She came up with a design that was within our budget that included all the features we wanted. Working with her crew was a delight- Julio thought through every detail, and went above and beyond the normal scope, whether it was searching for the best flagstones, following Heather's plans to the smallest detail, or discussing and revising elements as we progressed. Julio and his crew were polite, professional, and just nice to have around. I would recommend Hey Nice Garden without hesitation! **★★★★★ — Guthrie Dolin, July 2016** > Heather was amazing and a real joy to work with. She's great listener -- really taking into account our initial vision and thoughts. She also has fantastic ideas and creative solutions. We could not be happier with our low-maitinace, beautiful landscape we have today! The neighbors are thrilled too ;-) **★★★★★ — Michael Hansen, Sept. 2014** > I highly recommend Hey Nice Garden. > We had a major project with some big challenges and the project far exceeded our expectations. > Heather and her staff are a joy to work with--highly professional, skilled and competent. > The crew she hired for the job were top notch. > Everyone is blown away by our landscaping. > > Thank you Hey Nice Garden! **★★★★ — wesworth, Sept. 2014** > In the complete rebuild of our rear landscape, Heather provided: > \- A topographical lot survey > \- A detailed landscape design tailored to our tastes and stated desires > \- Referred us to two contractors we interviewed > \- Followed the progression of construction and altered the design as needed > > We are quite pleased with the overall result of an area of great beauty, minimal maintenance, and wonderful area for entertaining. **★★★★★ — stobin68, Sept. 2014** > Heather and her team at Hey Nice Garden helped my partner and I transform our small backyard from a field of weeds into a comfortable and versatile space for both us and our dogs. Heather took the time to understand our needs, what we liked/didn't like, as well as our budget limitations. She gave us lots of options to consider, and ultimately helped us make some great decisions. The job involved reconstructing and surfacing two retaining walls, installing pavers, building a small stone staircase, laying pebble and installing steel borders around them, installing a variety of plants and drip irrigation throughout the space. HNG executed the work beautiful. They were professional, prompt and finished the job on time and budget. We love our new space. **★★★★★ — jvkrnr, Sept. 2014** > Heather transformed the front and back yards of my town home from cement slabs to lush patio gardens. The plants she picked bloom at different times so there are always flowers, the plants are mostly native and require little water, and within a few months I had beautiful outdoor rooms to enjoy! Heather and Andy, her installer, are treasures. **★★★★★ — dianaalberghini, Sept. 2014** > We were very happy with the final outcome of our garden. It definitely has exceeded out expectations. It's so good, it almost doesn't feel like ours. We couldn't have come anywhere close without Heather's guidance and good cheer. ## Selected projects - [Coastal Family Hang](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-family-hang-pj-vj~7848328) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This backyard was transformed into the perfect family and entertaining hangout space. We designed/installed a new pool, large spa, decking, patio with Arto hex tile, firepit, outdoor kitchen, chaise lounge deck, dining area, lighting, tropical planting scheme, veg beds, lawn for play area - to make the dream a reality for this coastal family. - [Ultra Spa Vibes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ultra-spa-vibes-pj-vj~7848347) - Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: We transformed a dirt lot into a luxe spa retreat! New pool and spa with a water wall feature, sauna, custom fireplace courtyard lounge, deck, outdoor kitchen, and dining area for entertaining. - [Tropical Modernism](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tropical-modernism-pj-vj~7848352) - Location: San Clemente, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: We worked with the pre-existing pool to remodel with new tile, surround hex tile patio, tropical plantings and more privacy. The back deck is Kebony with a fireplace lounge, Pergolux shade structure over the dining room, and built-in kitchen with grill, storage and Primo kamado. - [Lounge-y](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lounge-y-pj-vj~7005743) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: We went full loungey goodness for this project. The sunken living room was created with concrete retaining walls and a custom firepit. We added an adjacent deck leading to the front door with large welcoming steps. Then we carved out a spot for the dining room and kitchen for more entertaining fun. Steel + wood + concrete = can't lose. - [Entertaining Mid-Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entertaining-mid-century-pj-vj~1536318) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: We installed a 1500 sq. ft. Ipe deck to connect the pool to the house and make the space feel cohesive and ultra usable. We added a custom steel & cable fence/gate, pool equipment cover, hillside plantings, pergola, plantings, and low- water no mow lawn to complete the look. We also designed a wet room bathroom with a steel door accessing the pool deck. We used Heath tile to complete the Mid-Century look in the wet room. - [Sunken Outdoor Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunken-outdoor-living-room-pj-vj~7848360) - Location: San Clemente, CA - Photos: 4 - [Family Hang](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-hang-pj-vj~7009839) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: For this family we created a variety of spaces including a half-court for their boys, a fire pit lounge, paths, patios, veg bed garden and overall lush garden planting for great views from their home and upper deck. - [Modern Meets Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-meets-traditional-pj-vj~7004541) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: From the Modern Farmhouse look to the Modern Ranch, we love designing with modern materials that compliment more traditional home styles. We gave this creekside rancher a modern update with poured patios, paths, lush low-water planting, an outdoor kitchen, play spaces, and a lovely seating deck overlooking the Oaks and creek. For this modern farmhouse look we used bluestone for the paths & patio, a clean low-water planting scheme, front porch seating area, fireplace for the family, and citrus tr… - [Modern Love](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-love-pj-vj~7010976) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: We have a soft spot for clean, modern lines and materials. It's also a surprisingly versatile aesthetic that can be applied to a variety of architectural styles from mid-century, to ranchers, to craftsman-style homes. Lush low-water planting rounds out the space and provides a nice balanced feel to the overall look. Here you'll find a few of our modern faves for front yards, firepit lounges, patios, play spaces, and back yard studios. - [A Surfer + A Chef](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-surfer-a-chef-pj-vj~7004513) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: These amazing clients love to surf, cook, and entertain. So we designed spaces that work together to achieve all goals. We added in play areas for the kids, low-water gardens, a deck, cedar hot tub, outdoor shower, full outdoor kitchen and patios that they could enjoy year-round. - [Front Yard Favorite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-yard-favorite-pj-vj~1548797) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: This lovely front yard has become a favorite for the neighbors and the kids! We installed 5 tons of boulders to create an alpine look and the kids can climb and play as they pass by. The garden looks great year-round and it's low water, low maintenance, fast growing and colorful. - [Lawn-free Front](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lawn-free-front-pj-vj~54471) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: We removed a high-water needs lawn and replaced it with a low-water perennial and California native garden which has inspired other neighbors on this street to do the same with their front yards! We poured a concrete paver path with dymondia groundcover and tiled the front porch with a timeless deco tile to go with the Craftsman style of the home. - [Drought Tolerant Delights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/drought-tolerant-delights-pj-vj~54476) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: High on texture, low on water is always a winning combo. We designed and installed these projects with low-water plants, permeable materials like DG, and timeless elements like steel. Succulents, Palo Verde trees, Australian & South African species have greatly expanded the palette of plants we use for year-round interest no matter how much rainfall we receive. - [Farmhouse Fabulous](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-fabulous-pj-vj~7029693) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This original 1800s farmhouse sits on a dreamy flat-acre lot in an urban/residential setting. We designed the space as a series of interconnected outdoor rooms - play space, deck, lounge, and kitchen garden. We added some wow to the front entry with arbors, gates, a seating area, and linear path to the porch. - [The Cook's Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-cook-s-garden-pj-vj~7004527) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: We try to incorporate edibles into every garden design - for this project edibles were the main course. We designed and fabricated custom steel veg boxes in elliptical and trapezoid forms. We incorporated pollinator-friendly plants throughout to help with veg production. The client, and the bees, were quite happy with the outcome. - [Spanish-Med](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-med-pj-vj~7848371) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hey-nice-garden-pfvwus-pf~1635819759) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/1203599061.m3u8?s=0751664290d907c195480b88e3b3a3dcb0153c86&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** We specialize in medium to large-size residential landscape projects throughout Southern California, transforming spaces into lovely, usable, and memorable landscapes. Our services include garden design, hardscaping, patio design, custom fire pits, and drought-tolerant planting, all tailored to your vision for your outdoor living space. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** We offer both design-only services and comprehensive project coordination. We work closely with you to develop your vision and create detailed designs. For installation, we partner exclusively with licensed contractors, and we can manage the project to ensure every detail is executed perfectly from concept to completion. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Absolutely, we create detailed planting and layout plans tailored to your property. Our approach includes site planning and garden design, with a special focus on water-wise planting that thrives in our climate. These comprehensive plans ensure every element of your landscape is thoughtfully considered and beautifully integrated. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, we excel at designing inviting outdoor living spaces. Our services include custom patio design, hardscaping, and the creation of custom fire pits, all integrated with thoughtful outdoor lighting. We aim to extend your home's living area into the beautiful outdoors, crafting spaces for relaxation and entertainment. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Yes, designing drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes is a core specialty for us. We focus on water-wise planting that is ideal for our Southern California climate, helping you conserve water and reduce your water bill while creating a beautiful and thriving garden. We also offer organic garden design. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Johnson Master Bath Orinda](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16065087/list/johnson-master-bath-orinda) — 22 ideas - [Closet Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69313349/list/closet-doors) — 9 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69313094/list/kitchen) — 3 ideas - [Fire / Water](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58481797/list/fire-water) — 2 ideas - [Fencing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55591075/list/fencing) — 1 idea - [Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55530594/list/inspiration) — 2 ideas - [ranch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16065296/list/ranch) — 6 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/heynicegarden) ## Community Q&A **Q: hi there, what metal edging is this!?** *(in Photo Questions)* Metal edging A: Yes but my contractors always made the purchase so I'm not sure what resource they were using. **Q: Was a permit necessary for the pool fence?** *(in Photo Questions)* We have a railing system that is in need of replacement; there is a pool involved, and would like to put something similar in. A: For permitting purposes you will most likely need to go up to 6'h, you should check with your city planning dept. to get specs. **Q: What did you use to seal?** *(in Photo Questions)* Just wondering what the sealant you used was? A: The stain was Messmers **Q: Patio sealer** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there, Could you tell me what kind of stain/sealer you used for the patio? We did something similar but the warm color washed off with the first rain. Any recommendations? A: Hi Svetla I believe my contractor used Messmers. It does fade quite a bit the first year so I recommend another coat in Spring. Then you can refresh the coat every 2-3 years. **Q: IPE decking** *(in Photo Questions)* We would love to see an IPE deck in person. Is there anywhere we can see a finished product in the east bay without disturbing a private residence. We are uncomfortable about spending money on wood that we have only seen pictures of (the pictures are beautiful). A: Hi Sharon you should probably talk to your landscape designer or contractor to see if they have some Ipe projects you can view. **Q: What's this white flower?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks so much Meg appreciate that! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-23.*