--- title: "Billy Goodnick Garden Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/billy-goodnick-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~1635829275 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1635829275.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Billy Goodnick Garden Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0b93e5690fbd1cdd_3757-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 20334, Santa Barbara, California 93120, United States" latitude: 34.2628 longitude: -119.8486 phone: "(805) 687-1690" website: http://billygoodnick.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 37 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 559 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # Billy Goodnick Garden Design Original Houzz profile: [Billy Goodnick Garden Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/billy-goodnick-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~1635829275) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Santa Barbara, CA - **Serves:** Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2021), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves My design philosophy is that every garden needs to be beautiful, useful and sustainable. My work has included hundreds of gardens in the greater Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito and Ventura area since the late 1970s while also helping to educate the public through adult education, master gardener and college classes. Gardens range in style from sleek, lean contemporary style, to Old World traditional, Mediterranean, and uniquely eclectic gardens perfectly suited to the individual client. Range of services from simplest to more involved: • One-time consultation to stimulate new ideas and introduce a more sustainable approach. • Planting design quick sketches and generating plant lists for owners to select from on their own. • Guided plant shopping trips, wholesale purchasing and final placement • Site planning and planting design drawings for installation by owner or contractor Typical clients include those with “tired” existing landscapes in need of a planting facelift and those seeking to re-imagine their outdoor spaces. With the ongoing concern for water savings, many projects include lawn removal and replacement with water-conserving gardens and creating new spaces for outdoor living. I also provide garden “staging” services for clients preparing to put their house up for sale. Many clients have on-going “works in progress” where we start with a general master plan and gradually tackle sections of their yard to achieve a coherent finished product. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - DIY Coaching ### Areas Served - Santa Barbara - Goleta - Carpinteria - Montecito ### Typical Job Cost $5000 - $50,000 Design services range from an hour or two "walkabout" ($100-$200), to customized plant lists ($500 average with site visit), to planting and site designs for professional installers ($2000-$3000). ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Billy Goodnick Garden Design | | Address | PO Box 20334, Santa Barbara, California 93120, United States | | Phone | (805) 687-1690 | | Website | http://billygoodnick.com | | License Number | RLA \#2853 (California) | | Followers on Houzz | 559 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/bgdc-landscape-architecture-and-residential-design-coaching/109214888 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/gardenwiseguy - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/billygoodnick - Blog — http://www.finegardening.com/blog//sustainable-landscaping ## Offers Free One-Hour Consultation - Say Houzz! ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Billy Goodnick Garden Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/billy-goodnick-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~1635829275) - **Website:** http://billygoodnick.com - **Phone:** (805) 687-1690 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ASLA National Merit Award - Santa Barbara Beautiful (multiple awards) - Office of the State Architect, CA - Santa Barbara County Horticultural Society Horticulturist of the Year - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2021), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 37 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Lynn Meyer, Sept. 2020** > Finding Billy was a stroke of luck! He is very knowledgeable about plants and design. He was fun to work with and always on time for appointments. He listened to our ideas and then incorporated them into a wonderful design > > We are new to the Santa Barbara area and our yard was overgrown with junipers and ivy, we cleared everything and started with a clean slate. Billy drew up a preliminary design, after some back and forth ideas we received a final plan. > We wanted easy care low water maintenance, with the Santa Barbara look while my husband wanted more color and flowers with meandering pathways. Billy was able to give us both what we wanted. He gave us a list of plants to rate, so we were able to pick out our own favorites, then he arranged them in the design. The design incorporated irrigation, paver patios, flagstone walkways and lighting. > We could not be happier and would highly recommend Billy, he is honest and reasonable. We are very excited to begin construction very soon. **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > John & Lynn: I can't thank you enough for this glowing review. I appreciate you taking the time to post it and the relationship we had throughout the design process. Now let's git 'er built and planted! **★★★★★ — Nick, Sept. 2020** > We bought a "fixer-upper" that needed quite a bit of work inside and out. It's a relatively large lot that was flat and bland except for a large mulberry tree out front. This was a challenge for us to design because unlike the interior, where my wife and I agreed on everything, I prefer a natural landscape with natives while my wife likes a more tropical look. Billy made the plant selection process easy on us. He put together a plant list that we could choose from. From there, Billy put together the design. We mentioned that we did not like straight lines, so all the interior lines were curved. He broke the yard into "rooms". I was a bit concerned because Billy doesn't do drainage, hills, slopes, irrigation, etc, but our contractors did an amazing job with that part. After a few revisions, we had a final design. Billy and AllScape did an amazing job and we couldn't be happier. **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Nick: Thanks for the kind words and I'm so glad we were able to put together a working team that met all your needs. Gimme a holler when you need any advice regarding long-term upkeep. **★★★★★ — Marita Hawryluk, July 2020** > Working with Billy was a great experience. Not only is he super knowledgeable about plants and landscape design, but he has a great ability to listen and interpret what it is you want, even before you know what you want. And he is fun and super easy to work with. We asked Billy to help us design our 1/2-acre overgrown lot that had been neglected for several years. He combined existing mature trees and plants that were worth keeping with new plant choices and hardscape features based on our interests to develop a comprehensive landscape plan for our entire property. The final plan resulted in a beautiful series of connected “garden rooms” that seamlessly blend together and harmonize effortlessly with the natural Santa Barbara landscape that surrounds our home. Cannot wait to do the install and see it all come to fruition. **★★★★★ — Chris Corwin, July 2020** > Billy was great to work with - kept in mind our wishes and worked with our existing space. He cane up with a great palate that we look forward to implementing - it will be an oasis **★★★★★ — Lynn Duncan, July 2019** > Billy is a highly competent landscape architect. He transformed my backyard from a boring plot of lawn to an English garden. He is careful to determine your likes and dislikes and uses his experience to determine the best mix of the plants that will be viable in your setting. Billy has an organized and professional approach to the project with a mix of fun and good humor. I love my new yard! **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Lynn: Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm gratified to know that you'll be spending your time in the garden you've longed for. Please keep me involved as the "kids" mature. **★★★★★ — Titus Brenninkmeijer, June 2019** > Billy did a great job with regards to the landscape design of my property. He is very well organized and always on schedule. And the work is very attractive **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Titus: Thanks for the endorsement. I'm eager to see how "the kids" grow up. **★★★★★ — Adela Barcia, Feb. 2019** > Even though we have not yet completed my project, I didn't want to wait to put in a good word about Billy Goodnick-- he deserves this excellent reflection. > From our first meeting and throughout, he has been prompt, professional and very efficient. Billy is always attentive and he has listened carefully to my preferences and my vision for the garden that I will be the one enjoying at my home. His obviously seasoned eye and comprehensive knowledge of plants and horticulture allowed us to be in a process that felt like we were co-creating something beautiful. Billy's plans and designs are meticulous and have great attention to detail as well as to all the elements and resources necessary to successfully executing them. I find his fees to be very reasonable . One of the best parts though is the fun of working with him, he's a lovely guy. **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Adela: Thank you SO MUCH for the kind words and enthusiasm. I very much enjoy working with you and look forward to turning the drawing into a living, breathing 3-D version **★★★★★ — Jeff & Karen Thomsen, Feb. 2019** > Billy was great! Full of ideas, took the time to learn what we liked and disliked, came up with a workable and affordable plan, personally supervised the placement of the actual plants, checked in with us regularly, and corrected misplaced landscape elements. He's even offered to come over later to tutor us on care of the plantings. We're very happy and highly recommend this guy! **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Karen & Jeff: I'm delighted that you're enjoying the fruits of our great collaborative effort. I appreciate your review and hope we'll spend the coming years watching your new "kids" grow up. **★★★★★ — Todd Engstrom, Dec. 2018** > My wife and I had a great time working with Billy. > He is creative, fun to work with and brought a lot of energy to the project > He has great vision and is extremely knowledgeable re local plants, drought tolerance, design, etc. > He then directed us to a great landscape company that did the actual landscape work. Billy worked closely with them to insure that everything was done to his exacting standards. > We are very pleased with the finished product. > We would absolutely work with Billy again on a project. **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Todd & Lisa: Thank you very much for your generous review. I'm excited to see how "the kids" get along, so please keep me in the loop as the garden grows. I'm in for the long haul! And a lot of credit goes to Nico Lebera for his excellent installation. Great team! **★★★★★ — Sylvia, Aug. 2018** > Billy was great to work with. Very professional, prompt, delivered his beautiful design as stated. Gave me lots of choices of plants so that I could choose exactly the plants and flowers that I liked. Considered my input and incorporated in a design that fixed my mud ridden yard (Montecito mudslides) and made it a wonderful place for my children to play and relaxing place for the whole family to spend their time **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Sylvia: Thank you for inviting me to help you through the tragic impacts of the mud flow. I'm so glad you liked the result and that you, your hubz, the kids and your great canines have a place to enjoy your spare time. **★★★★★ — Janet Bullock, March 2018** > We asked Billy to do a complete remodel of our very overgrown, overplanted yard, for a water wise landscape. He listened, he was fun, professional and thorough and the result is wonderful. > The pathways lead us from one patio "room" to another with variations in plantings and hardscape along the way. Native grasses and gorgeous Clivia blend together as do the Cordyline and variegated Coprasma, and best of all he made it "work" when we decided we wanted Greek-style statues!! Billy is a pleasure to work with and is an "11" on the scale of one to ten. **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Janet: Thank you SO MUCH for your generous review. I had a great time working with you and Alan and love what we came up with. And having Jesus Arrellaga as the installer was a great gift to ME! **★★★★★ — Timothy Sullivan, July 2017** > In the face of water shortages due to the California draught, and the need for major repairs to our in-ground swimming pool, we decided to demolish the pool and re-landscape our large back yard with easy-care, low water requirement, landscaping. Based on the results of a neighbor who had worked with Billy, we chose him to work with on our landscape plan. We provided him with photos of landscaping and plants we liked and disliked, and asked for his ideas. We were particularly impressed with his creativity and his willingness to work with us in modifying his suggestions and design. He was extremely punctual for his meetings with us, unusual these days. He also worked well with our landscape contractor, and was on hand for boulder and plant placement to assure the result met with the intents of the design we ended up with. As time goes on, we seem more and more pleased with the peacefulness and attractiveness of our new yard. It is a true enhancement of our home. > So the bottom line is that we recommend him highly as a landscape architect. **Comment from Billy Goodnick Garden Design:** > Tim and Margie: Thank you so much for this wonderful endorsement. I really enjoyed the dynamic of our design adventure and am thrilled with the result. And I'm happy that you're happy! > PS: Thanks for adding the photos. ## Selected projects - [Another Lawn Bites the Dust - With Gusto](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/another-lawn-bites-the-dust-with-gusto-pj-vj~1718532) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: The owners of this little cottage on a sleepy street in Santa Barbara's modest Westside had given up on their old, thirsty lawn. It was clear from visiting their home that they had bold tastes and a love of strong color combinations. The existing flagstone path was improved, lawn and weeds cleared and the design moved forward. One key feature is the use of the upright, lacy Grevillea 'Long John' to softly screen the view of the street from their back yard patio. The rest of the design? "Have fun… - [Silver Meadow Lawn Replacement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-meadow-lawn-replacement-pj-vj~614168) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This silvery meadow replaced a high water-using lawn in Santa Barbara's hot foothills. The owners wished to keep the open space where the lawn resided, but preferred the diverse palette that a mixed meadow brings. A small flagstone sitting terrace was set out below the house to enjoy views of the garden and the majestic mountains to the north. The "base coat" of the meadow is planted with Carex flacca 'Blue Zinger' then peppered with free-flowing clusters of Euphorbia 'Copton Ash', snow in summe… - [Yards: Turn Any Outdoor Space Into the Garden of Your Dreams](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yards-turn-any-outdoor-space-into-the-garden-of-your-dreams-pj-vj~1430452) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: In 2013, I authored "Yards: Turn Any Outdoor Space into the Garden of Your Dreams" (St. Lynn's Press). It's the book you need to read before you read all the other design books. This laugh-filled, lusciously designed book takes you into the process professional designers use to create beautiful, useful, sustainable designs. Yards is written for those who want to tackle the design process on their own, or for folks who will hire a profession, but want to be fully involved in the process. "Billy G… - [Horticultural Cornucopia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/horticultural-cornucopia-pj-vj~138422) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 33 - Description: This meditative garden was a real challenge with limited root depth due to a massive California pepper tree, constant filtered shade, and limited space. The clients wanted a quiet, intimate, meditative space where they could escape in the afternoon. Yellow-green foliage is the dominant color. The only showy flowers come from the Leopard Plant (Farfugium), and only briefly. Random paving patterns of brick and flagstone, and intruding foliage force visitors to slow down and become aware of the gar… - [Carpinteria lawn replacement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carpinteria-lawn-replacement-pj-vj~1253346) - Location: Carpinteria, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: A small front lawn on a quiet street left no room for privacy or an attractive view for arriving guests and for the owners to view from inside the house. A screening hedge of Podocarpus now shields the view from the street and a diverse planting of Mediterranean climate plants from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and other areas have reduced water use and maintenance while providing year round beauty. - [Contemporary Hillside Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-hillside-terrace-pj-vj~1305150) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: When I got the call, the owners had started and abandoned a project to make a steep slope behind their house into a useable entertainment space. My job was to develop an overall vision for the space, figure out how to access the new terrace and plant the sun-baked hillside with low maintenance, low water plants that met their contemporary taste. Succulents and a few well-chosen Aussies did the trick. - [Craftsman Lawn to Meadow Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-lawn-to-meadow-conversion-pj-vj~1305236) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This historic Bernard Maybeck craftsman estate was surrounded by thirsty lawn and plants not well adapted to Montecito's dry climate. An acre of turf grass was transformed into a diverse meadow of native sedge, grasses, perennials and annuals that attract pollinators and other beneficial visitors. The stone-clad entrance was re-envisioned into a colorful tapestry of year round color to greet visitors, the water bill dropped dramatically and maintenance reduced. - [His and Hers Santa Barbara Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/his-and-hers-santa-barbara-gardens-pj-vj~250327) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: The challenge for this project was combining the varied tastes of husband and wife while embracing the existing landscaping they inherited when these new owners took over. The front door faces west and included plants that would best be described as traditional. The east side of the house, where the swimming pool resides, had a few distinctively Mediterranean plants, including tree aloe and a Mediterranean fan palm. We dubbed the concept "Don Draper at the Beverly Hills Hotel" alluding to the Ma… - [Traditional Goleta Front Yard Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-goleta-front-yard-makeover-pj-vj~1305245) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: After decades of mowing a weedy lawn surrounded by a dense juniper hedge, the owners were ready to give up. After kicking a few ideas around, we decided to create a gracious entry path to bring guests through a garden setting planted with low water using Mediterranean plants that provide year round color and interest. The bonus: There was lots of extra space across the driveway to create matching raised beds sporting luscious red tomatoes, hot peppers, climbing beans and a quietly splashing foun… - [Woodland by the Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodland-by-the-beach-pj-vj~2482082) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: After a complete renovation of the house interior to a sleek modern style, the new owners set about making the outdoor spaces an extension of the house. That called for increased front yard privacy, removal of a dominant shade tree and creating of a series of connected outdoor rooms. The puzzle was fitting these uses into a small garden while retaining enough space for the "forest" look they hoped for. The property is on a hillside in Santa Barbara's Mesa neighborhood, where evening summer fog c… - [Mediterranean "Archipelagos' Replace Narrow Formal Lawn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-archipelagos-replace-narrow-formal-lawn-pj-vj~2468759) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Tired of the previous straight path flanked by narrow lawns, and even more tired of ever-increasing water bills, the owners decided to take a fresh approach while creating a diverse, low-maintenance garden to be viewed from above. - [Curb Appeal Boost and Fire Pit Replace Lawns in Santa Barbara](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curb-appeal-boost-and-fire-pit-replace-lawns-in-santa-barbara-pj-vj~2127687) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Between the heavy shade of the star pine and the effects of prolonged drought, these owners decided it was time to give up on having a front lawn. The existing flagstone paths lacked grace and were uncomfortable to walk up. The new solution was to create deeper root zones for new plants by building a natural stone retaining wall, adding soil, and redirecting the path farther from the tree while providing real steps to make walking more natural. After the front yard project was underway, the owne… - [From Lawnscape to Wildscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-lawnscape-to-wildscape-pj-vj~2444573) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: In the lower foothills of Santa Barbara, these owners finally gave up on their thirsty, flat lawn and decided to make better use of the space while increasing the visual beauty and diversity of their landscape. The initial interview revealed a strong desire to have spaces for quiet contemplation and night time conversations around a fire. The design unfolded from there. The photos shared by the owners showed a desire for strong, bold imagery which led to these simple planting masses that read we… - [Succulents Replace Tiny Terraced Lawns](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/succulents-replace-tiny-terraced-lawns-pj-vj~2127676) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 13 - [Front Courtyard Concept](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-courtyard-concept-pj-vj~6462538) - Location: Goleta, CA - Photos: 1 - [You Can See for Miles and Miles](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/you-can-see-for-miles-and-miles-pj-vj~5758535) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: The owners of the hilltop property have limitless views past the Channel Islands of Santa Barbara as well as up the coast for 30 miles. But their street frontage was lackluster, inaccessible and hard to maintain. The solution included stone steps leading from the patio down the slope and a street-forward planting framed by new multi-trunk Mediterranean Fan Palms, soft textured silver sedge and an array of low-water using, colorful Mediterranean climate plants. [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/billy-goodnick-garden-design-pfvwus-pf~1635829275) ## Ideabooks - [Magaña Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166984107/list/maga-a-garden) — 8 ideas - [Contreras](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161833611/list/contreras) — 15 ideas - [Is Your Garden Minding the Viewing Speed Limit?](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9174292/list/is-your-garden-minding-the-viewing-speed-limit) — 12 ideas - [How to Pick a Nice Wall for Your Garden Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7619714/list/how-to-pick-a-nice-wall-for-your-garden-room) — 15 ideas - [Grasses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7969283/list/grasses) — 27 ideas - [Naus](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90378713/list/naus) — 14 ideas - [Small space gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8481686/list/small-space-gardens) — 8 ideas - [Plants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7405958/list/plants) — 23 ideas - [Water features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7490572/list/water-features) — 21 ideas - [Entertaining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7490763/list/entertaining) — 12 ideas - [Color - Yellow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7619756/list/color-yellow) — 5 ideas - [Kids](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8742368/list/kids) — 3 ideas - [Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7490716/list/contemporary) — 6 ideas - [Edible](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7490981/list/edible) — 6 ideas - [Mediterranean Style Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54133524/list/mediterranean-style-gardens) — 5 ideas - [Succulents](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7490610/list/succulents) — 7 ideas - [Neutral](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7657987/list/neutral) — 5 ideas - [Focal point](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7356871/list/focal-point) — 5 ideas - [Foliage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9103077/list/foliage) — 5 ideas - [Bench swing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16743394/list/bench-swing) — 9 ideas [See all 26 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/billygoodnick) ## Community Q&A **Q: what kind of phormium is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Maori queen, perhaps? Thank you! Love your designs. A: You are most welcome. Sounds like you're having lots of fun in the garden. Where are you in the Bay Area? So many tricky micro-climates. I lived in SF and worked in Walnut Creek for a few years after school. **Q: Shape of this yard** *(in Photo Questions)* What do you call this type of layout? We have this and it makes searching for ideas so difficult when I can’t properly describe yard next to curved driveway that does not lead to a front door? A: Paolo - Thanks for your interest in this project. I don't know that there's a particular "name" for this shape. I've attached an aerial photo (not great resolution, but helpful). The house is L-shaped with the part closest to the street being the garage. It's more or less a rectangular yard and the driveway comes in off the street, then curves 90-degrees into the garage. The original layout had a lawn as the only thing to the left of the driveway, and a brick retaining wall along the sidewalk. We removed the lawn and brick wall and created a walkway that makes an S-curve while walking up 3 or 4 steps. Then, unfortunately, someone arriving at the house has to walk across the driveway to reach the front door. Not as welcoming as I'd like, but no other way to get there. The front door is between the garage and the small tree. I hope this helps. You might find some other garden ideas at my website, billygoodnick.com. Best of luck designing your garden. I don't know if it would be helpful, but I wrote a book - Yards: Turn Any Outdoor Space into the Garden of Your Dreams. Link to book **Q: what type of stone are being used** *(in Photo Questions)* I want to plan a pathway with gravel, and flagstone. What is a good alternative to yellow colored flagstone? Very expensive A: Ruchi: This flagstone was already on the property - we just realigned it for this project, so there was not a lot of expense involved, other than the labor and new base material below. As for the cost, all flagstone is going to be more expensive than just gravel, crushed rock or other inert materials. I don't know where you live or what's generally available, so I can't give you an idea of comparative costs. This might seem a little odd, but using slabs of reclaimed concrete sidewalk and staining them is a technique I've used on projects where a patio slab was being removed. There are many water-based liquid stains you can experiment with if you can find enough scrap concrete. You might also need to chisel/chip/saw them into more natural shapes. Also, look at the underside of the concrete - often the side that's been underground has a nice texture from sitting on sand and looks less like city sidewalk. I hope this information is helpful if not a magic bullet. be well ... bg **Q: plant next to kangaroo paw** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, what is that plant next to the pink kangaroo paw? Thank you! A: The plant is a variety of Phormium (New Zealand Flax) but I'm not 100% certain of the variety. Looks like it might be Dusky Maiden. This project is 12 years old. My list says Dark Delight, but the color in the photo looks different. Contractor might have needed a substitute. Hope this helps. **Q: What a PERFECT design!** *(in Photo Questions)* You are a very gifted and TALENTED landscape design artist. Perfect. All the various shades of green with different heights, textures, and looks make a lovely and calming medley. It has an Asian look, a modern or contemporary look, a low-maintain look, and a crisp clean organized look. Wow. So original too. Pure talent. A: Thank you so much for the generous compliment. This is one of my favorites. And the client still keeps me involved as the garden matures and changes. **Q: What is the name of this plant?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Grevillea 'Moonlight' --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*