--- title: "Dig Your Garden Landscape Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/dig-your-garden-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1761691795 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1761691795.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Dig Your Garden Landscape Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/15e3e1580db59149_9139-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "By Appointment Only, San Anselmo, California 94960, United States" latitude: 37.9846 longitude: -122.5711 phone: "(415) 602-6282" website: http://www.digyourgarden.com rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 861 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # Dig Your Garden Landscape Design Original Houzz profile: [Dig Your Garden Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/dig-your-garden-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1761691795) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** San Anselmo, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Napa, San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Black Point-Green Point, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Belvedere Tiburon, Greenbrae, San Francisco Bay Area - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves BEST OF HOUZZ - Design 2026! APLD AWARD WINNER 2023, 2022, 2021 AND 2020. Landscape Designer Eileen Kelly creates unique landscape and garden designs and thoughtful solutions from hardscape to softscape. Her creative designs compliment the lifestyles and outdoor living experiences for homeowners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. With a focus on year-round beauty and appeal, Dig Your Garden specializes in designing landscapes and drought tolerant gardens that incorporate Mediterranean plants, Succulents and California Natives as well. Owner, lead designer, Eileen Kelly, located in San Anselmo, designs every garden to flourish throughout the seasons with color and texture, and incorporates eco-friendly techniques and resources. Creative alternatives to lawns or minimizing them, is a popular offering that includes low-water plant alternatives and creative hardscaping ideas. Certified eco-friendly practitioner through Bay Friendly Gardening. Association of Professional Landscape Designers International Landscape Design Awards. 2023-2021. Best of Houzz 2025, 2022 and 2013-2017. Dig Your Garden collaborates with homeowners to create unique design solutions while respecting the architecture of the residence and care for the environment. More details on our website: http://www.digyourgarden.com Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/digyourgardenlandscapedesign/ http://www.facebook.com/DigYourGarden ### 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 - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Drafting - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - 2D Computer Aided Design Drawings - 3D Perspective Drawings - Landscape Consulting - Scaled Drawings ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Napa - San Rafael - Novato - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Sonoma - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Kentfield - Sausalito - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - Santa Venetia - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Belvedere - Fairfax - Black Point-Green Point - Stinson Beach - Muir Beach - San Geronimo - Belvedere Tiburon - Greenbrae - San Francisco Bay Area ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 300,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Dig Your Garden Landscape Design | | Address | By Appointment Only, San Anselmo, California 94960, United States | | Phone | (415) 602-6282 | | Website | http://www.digyourgarden.com | | Followers on Houzz | 861 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/digyourgarden - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/\#!/digyourgarden - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/eileen-kelly/a3/a7/961/ - Blog — http://www.digyourgarden.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Dig Your Garden Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/dig-your-garden-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1761691795) - **Website:** http://www.digyourgarden.com - **Phone:** (415) 602-6282 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - -Best of Houzz 2026 Design, 2025 Service, 2022 Designer and Service - -APLD 2023 Silver Award, 2023 Silver, 2022 Gold, 2021 Silver and 2020 Gold Award - APLD International Landscape Design Awards - -Best of Houzz 2013-2017 - -Voted Best Landscape Designer 2015 by the Pacific Sun Readers - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Alexandra Gorlick, Jan. 2024** > Eileen is wonderful! She helped us completely transform our backyard into a beautiful, useable space. She helped us with every step from initial ideas, through detail design and plant selection and placement. She is very knowledgeable and has a great eye. She was patient with our numerous changes. She partners with a wonderful landscape contractor and together they are a dream team! > > We love our new space and get so many compliments from guests. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Thanks so much Alex for your thoughtful review! It was so delightful to work with you and I thoroughly enjoyed designing your landscape transformation. I'm looking forward to visiting this Spring to see how the plants are filling in. I created a project page with a few photos taken soon after the installation. More to come! Thanks again, Eileen > https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/terraced-modern-landscape-transformation-mill-valley-ca-pj-vj~7429756 **★★★★★ — melo14, Nov. 2023** > We are so happy with the transformation of our outdoor space. Eileen understood the aesthetic we were looking for and was able to design a beautiful landscape for us with drought tolerant plants. She listened to our concerns and was flexible when we wanted to make changes. She was able to offer affordable solutions that kept the look we were going for but allowed us to stay in our budget. She always stayed in communication with us through the process and kept our timeline realistic. She is down to earth and a delight to work with. It was worth the wait to work with her and I wouldn't hesitate to use her again on our next project! **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Thank you so very much M for your thoughtful and kind review! I so very much enjoyed working with you to design your landscape and thrilled you are so happy with the transformation. I'm looking forward to future visits and adding more photos to your "Modern Farmhouse Landscape Transformation" project. Thanks again! Eileen https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-landscape-renovation-novato-ca-pj-vj~7324086 **★★★★★ — Nancy, June 2021** > I worked with the wonderfully creative Eileen Kelly on the redesign of my front and backyards and am absolutely thrilled with the results! Eileen’s concepts perfectly match the mid-century look of my house, and feature a stunning array of low-water use plants. She was a joy to work with — professional, responsive and incredibly knowledgeable about plant selection and landscaping materials. She oversaw the installation from start to finish; I couldn’t have done it without her! **★★★★★ — Tina Sampath, Oct. 2020** > Eileen was a fantastic partner - she was very thoughtful in her recommendations, took great care to ensure that we were aligned every step of the process. The online plant photo library was incredibly helpful for plant selection and made the process very efficient. Our yard and living wall came out more beautiful than we ever imagined, we highly recommend Eileen and plan to work with her on future projects. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Thank you so much Tina for your thoughtful review. I'm so very pleased as well with the outcome of the stunning living wall and front landscape design transformation. I very much enjoyed working with you and our great collaboration. I'm looking forward to working with you again in the future. Many thanks! Eileen **★★★★★ — Joan Heblack, June 2019** > Eileen is a true professional Landscape Garden Designer. She listens and creates. Her creations are like a Monet painting, where all the plants and colors create a beautiful palette. She is a true artist. We have enjoyed working with her and will continue in the future on further projects. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Thank you so much Joan for the lovely compliment and review! You and G. have been so gracious and wonderful to work with and I'm so grateful you called upon me to design the back and front areas surrounding your lovely Eickler home. I've just added photos to my project on my page, and included the recent updates to the front landscape. Thanks again! Eileen > https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-eichler-mid-century-modern-back-and-front-landscape-remodel-pj-vj~6005230 **★★★★★ — Jan Thomas, Nov. 2017** > I loved the whole experience with Eileen, I had admired her work on Houzz for the textures, color choices and use of all California natives. How lucky we were that she happen to live nearby. Like many, we realized we had to lessen our water use - and our lawn now reflects the quality of her work. She was open & flexible to incorporating my ideas, and yet her expertise and knowledge of plants (and what works where) enriched my own undefined design. The only problem now...is that neighbors from all over come (even with their landscape people) to take pictures, steal ideas - but mostly to compliment! Eileen is warm, personable and attentive to the various range of budgets. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Wow, I'm so touched by your sweet and thoughtful review Jan! Reading praises like this warms my heart and validates my passion for designing landscapes that please my clients. Your home is a beautiful Spanish-style CA Mediterranean gem and I enjoyed creating the new welcoming pathway entrance and vibrant low-water plant selections along with the new patio and thyme ground cover to replace the lawn. I'm also so glad you are nearby so I can visit and watch the garden evolve. It has been delightful to engage with you throughout the process and I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity to bring my landscape design touches to your garden and to the neighborhood too! Many thanks! Here's the link to your project: https://www.houzz.com/projects/2734669/a-vibrant-updated-landscape-for-a-spanish-style-bungalow-in-san-anselmo-ca **★★★★★ — Nicole Horowitz, Aug. 2017** > Eileen was wonderful to work with - professional, easy going, and creative. Our space was completely unusable before and she transformed it into a beautiful area where we can now host gatherings. She is also very aware of budget and willing to offer a variety of options to meet your needs. She even recommended a gardener who we still use regularly! I would recommend her without hesitation. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Thank you NIcole for your lovely review! I also was very pleased with the outcome and how we were able to create more usable space for entertaining complimented by a variety of shrubs and succulents that add a contemporary lift to the space. It was so delightful to work with you both! I'm looking forward to visiting and taking more photos. I love the photos I captured in the spring. The succulents, grasses and other plants look so amazing and welcoming against the concrete pathways and patio! Thanks again. Eileen **★★★★★ — Jennafer Andreson, Dec. 2016** > After going through about 6 landscape designers that for one reason or another did not follow through we found Eileen. Eileen listened to us and was able to deifier he/she speak. The very first design round she nailed it. We went through a few other rounds but mostly on plant selections and small details. Eileen really cares about the quality of her work. She always kept us in form on where we were in terms of our budget. Our project had a few start/stops and Eileen was always responsive when we contacted her even after a couple years of her delivering the design. Eileen is easy to work with, knows her stuff and is very creative. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Jennafer, thank you so much for your nice review and for choosing me to design your front landscape. It has been great working with you and J. I just love how the landscape turned out; quite a transformation from the before shots! I look forward to watching the garden mature. Here's the link to the project here on houzz that I'll be updating in the Spring! Thanks again! http://www.houzz.com/projects/769591/dramatic-transformation-contemporary-landscape-design-san-rafael-ca **★★★★★ — Stacy James, Oct. 2016** > Eileen did a remarkable job with our landscaping project. She helped transform our somewhat challenging hillside lot into a beautifully landscaped space. She excels in listening to her clients and giving them a beautiful cohesive plan. The final product is amazing - we couldn't be happier. Would highly recommend her gorgeous work. She was truly a pleasure to work with **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Stacy, thank you so much for your sweet review! I thoroughly enjoyed designing the landscape areas surrounding your beautiful home in Napa, and also getting to know you and your lovely family. You have all been so delightful to work with and I'm so very happy you are pleased with the result. I look forward to my visits and seeing the landscape mature. Many, many thanks! Eileen. Here's a link to your project photos: http://www.houzz.com/projects/1966600/contemporary-landscape-design-for-a-narrow-back-yard-in-napa-ca **★★★★★ — ehood, Oct. 2016** > Eileen was amazing to work with while updating our home's exterior landscape. When we first met Eileen to assess our property, she was very thorough in asking questions about our style, etc to make sure she designed the landscape to fit our family needs and desires. She came with great suggestions and ideas and turned our landscape on a steep hill into a very functional space for our 2 children as well as a relaxing environment for the adults. The front exterior of our home is drastically improved and we are grateful for her expertise and style to bring it all together. I would highly recommend Eileen for all of your landscape design needs. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > E. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and lovely review! It has been so delightful working with you and M. I'm looking forward to future visits and taking more photos as the landscape matures. Thanks again! Eileen http://www.houzz.com/projects/2087397/contemporary-landscape-and-exterior-remodel-in-kentfield-ca **★★★★★ — windiheaton1, Dec. 2015** > Eileen of Dig Your Garden Landscape is a wonderful designer to work with. I had a vision for my water front home that has a sloped yard meeting the water and she was able to make it a reality. > Eileen is able to take your input and give great ideas to make a beautiful space. She has the eye and experience to create what I was looking forward to. > I love to entertain and I wanted space for that as well as sustainable, water tolerable planting > and a small space to grow veggies. Eileen was able to design my yard, a small space to accommodate all of these requests. > During the project I found a piece quite large that I wanted to incorporate into the design and Eileen was fine with being flexible and with her experience and wisdom placed it in the most perfect spot. > All of my friends that visit ask if they can house sit when I'm away because they love the outdoor space. > i was going to wait to redesign my front yard as I had recently purchased the home but after Eileen finished my back yard i ask her to design my front yard. Again a beautiful job that has really perked up my home. Many people stop and admire my yard and it's been a great way to meet my neighbors. > Eileen is fun and flexible and really wants a space to be what you want. I feel lucky to have found her. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Windi, what a beautiful, thoughtful and kind review. I'm truly touched by your words. It has been SO delightful working with you and transforming your back and front landscapes into an oasis for your outdoor living and enjoyment. I love my visits and seeing the landscape change and flourish. I'm beyond thrilled with the outcome and so honored that you chose me as the landscape designer. Many thanks, Eileen **★★★★★ — ajsmith\_sf, Aug. 2015** > Eileen is the consummate professional and brings her "A-game" to the job. We knew immediately that we shared an aesthetic when we saw her web site and quickly confirmed that opinion upon our first meeting. She helped us translate our vision of a water-friendly garden and outdoor entertaining space into reality and within budget. We left much of the plant selection up to her, and we couldn't be happy. And, how quickly they've grown in! I wouldn't hesitate to use Eileen in the future and would happily recommend her services. **Comment from Dig Your Garden Landscape Design:** > Andy, thank you for such a complimentary review! It has been so delightful collaborating with you and Brian in the creation of your new, expanded outdoor living/entertaining spaces, sans the lawn! I'm looking forward to my visits and watching the landscape flourish! Many thanks again. Eileen ## Selected projects - [Mid-Century Modern Landscape Remodel - San Rafael, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-landscape-remodel-san-rafael-ca-pj-vj~7600916) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Just installed in the fall of 2024, this mid-century modern, Eichler home's front and back landscapes have been transformed with a beautiful modern approach. The front landscape features a fruitless olive tree, boxwood shrubs, and other sculptural plants. The mostly monochromatic color palette, in shades of green, white and splashes of purple, provide harmony and a unified plant design. The back landscape continues the modern design theme, updated retaining wall cladding. Modern landscape lighti… - [Multi-Level Modern Landscape Transformation - Mill Valley, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multi-level-modern-landscape-transformation-mill-valley-ca-pj-vj~7429756) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: ​This dramatic landscape was transformed with multi-level patio areas and terraced retaining walls with connecting stairways. Designed to offer more usable space for the home owners' and family to enjoy. Now ample room for dining, entertaining and lounging around the fire pit. The new patios and stairways are constructed with concrete. The new walls have been finished with a complimentary stucco color. The deck was updated and reconfigured with Ipe wood and cable railing. The lowest area feature… - [APLD 2023 Award-Winning Landscape Design Remodel, Ross, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/apld-2023-award-winning-landscape-design-remodel-ross-ca-pj-vj~6531644) - Location: Ross, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: This APLD award-winning landscape design project was completed the Summer/Fall of 2020, this Ross, CA back landscape was re-imagined to remove the leaking pool and replace the water-thirsty/tired lawn. The result is a beautiful landscape with more usable and functional areas for outdoor living and enjoyment. Filled with an abundance of diverse, lower-water plants and enhancements. A feast for the eyes and senses for the homeowners to enjoy throughout the seasons, that also welcomes the birds, be… - [Modern Farmhouse Landscape Renovation, Novato, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-landscape-renovation-novato-ca-pj-vj~7324086) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: A complete redesign of the front and back landscape areas surrounding the updated modern farmhouse facade and newly built studio/office. In the front of the house, the dated concrete steps and patio were replaced with an extensive new design featuring a porcelain full-color bluestone, and natural bluestone accents. New planting beds with olive trees and other colorful plants frame the front pathway/steps and provide beautiful curb-appeal. Gravel surrounds the porcelain stepping stone pathways th… - [Modern Landscape Revamp with Living Wall, Sausalito, CA - Gold Award Winner!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-landscape-revamp-with-living-wall-sausalito-ca-gold-award-winner-pj-vj~5887067) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: APLD 2022 AWARD WINNING LANDSCAPE DESIGN. We designed and installed this dramatic living wall / vertical garden to add a welcoming focal point, and a great way to add living beauty to the large front wall. The wall includes a variety of succulents, grass-like and cascading plants some with flowers, designed to provide long cascading "waves" with appealing textures and colors. The dated walkway was updated with large geometric concrete pavers with polished black pebbles in between, and a new conc… - [Landscape Renovation and Lawn Replacement - Mill Valley, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-renovation-and-lawn-replacement-mill-valley-ca-pj-vj~7084065) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: The homeowners of this lovely Mill Valley home desired a complete landscape renovation for outdoor living, in their serene setting below the redwoods. We updated the patio areas with natural bluestone, one for lounging and relaxing with a gas fire table and modern furniture. The other for dining. I designed the two patios with "irregular edges" to break up the long rectangular shapes and add visual interest to the design. The pathway stones and stairways also used the same natural bluestone. The… - [San Rafael Eichler - Mid-Century Modern Back & Front Landscape Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-eichler-mid-century-modern-back-and-front-landscape-remodel-pj-vj~6005230) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: The front and back areas surrounding this Eichler home were updated with the mid-century modern design aesthetic in mind. The Front landscape takes on a minimalist design with architectural Barrel Cactus, Artichoke Agaves, stately Thatching Reeds, a Blue Palm (Brahea 'Clara') a Mediterranean Fan Palm, the stunning Pincushion plant - Leucospermum 'Tango', and other easy-care, low water plants. Retaining walls add interest to the front planting beds, along with the corten steel sculpture offering… - [Oak Tree Setting With Hillside Views, Novato, CA - Award Winning Design 2021!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oak-tree-setting-with-hillside-views-novato-ca-award-winning-design-2021-pj-vj~4403376) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 36 - Description: Best of Houzz 2022 Design and Service! Also a 2021 APLD Award-Winning Landscape by landscape designer Eileen Kelly. This expansive landscape features several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat for the homeowner to enjoy throughout the seasons. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic plante… - [Modern Pool, Patio and Landscape Renovation - Sleepy Hollow/San Anselmo, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-pool-patio-and-landscape-renovation-sleepy-hollow-san-anselmo-ca-pj-vj~6775257) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [San Francisco Landscape Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-landscape-transformation-pj-vj~4968778) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This entire home has undergone a major renovation. I designed the surrounding landscape areas to compliment the home's architecture and design style in collaboration with the general architects interior designer and installation teams. The back landscape offers a seamless indoor to outdoor flow achieving the goal to maximize the space for the lounging, dining and entertaining. Basalt stone is featured throughout the landscape in pathways and driveway and I specified an ashlar pattern for the bac… - [Modern Water-Side Landscape Remodel and Lawn Replacement - Backyard, Novato, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-water-side-landscape-remodel-and-lawn-replacement-backyard-novato-ca-pj-vj~456093) - Location: Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA - Photos: 41 - Description: So honored to have this project featured in a Houzz story: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28880678/list/inside-houzz-a-waterfront-property-ditches-the-grass-for-a-gardenLagoon-side property, Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA. Entertaining and enjoying the views were a primary design goal for the owners of this stunning property, in addition to replacing the lawn with low-water plantings and a total renovation. I specified a new deck with built-in benches and large architectural planters. The homeowner… - [Succulents and Companion Plants](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/succulents-and-companion-plants-pj-vj~80038) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 38 - Description: With such a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors to choose from, succulents are perfect companions to an endless array of other drought-tolerant plants. I've chosen a few examples of how I incorporate succulents into my garden designs and combine them with other low-water plants in Northern California. - [Hillside Landscape Sanctuary in Northern California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-landscape-sanctuary-in-northern-california-pj-vj~2205687) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 29 - Description: This vast hillside in San Anselmo, Northern California has evolved over the years and is the personal sanctuary of Landscape Designer Eileen Kelly, owner of Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. This sustainable garden also serves as Eileen's "living laboratory" where she observes and learns from the habits and growth of her extensive selection of plants. They include hundreds of varieties of low-water plants that range from California natives to plants from other Mediterranean regions such as South… - [Narrow Sausalito Landscape Transformed Into Usable Space For Outdoor Enjoyment.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/narrow-sausalito-landscape-transformed-into-usable-space-for-outdoor-enjoyment-pj-vj~2483933) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete pavers accented by Mexican pebbles and a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate plantings that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo was added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other… - [Zen-Inspired Front Landscape Trasformation in San Anselmo, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-inspired-front-landscape-trasformation-in-san-anselmo-ca-pj-vj~3107856) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: The homeowners of this San Anselmo, CA hillside residence asked me to design a zen-inspired landscape for the front landscape/entrance to their home. The design incorporated a basalt stone basin and a dry creek stream with a variety of pebbles and rocks that simulate flowing water. A new natural bluestone pathway and patios replace the mis-matched concrete patio, flagstone, wood deck and tile at the front entrance. I specified a variety of plants with colors and textures that fit the design inte… - [Dramatic Transformation - Contemporary Landscape Design, San Rafael, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dramatic-transformation-contemporary-landscape-design-san-rafael-ca-pj-vj~769591) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated with a welcoming concrete pathway entrance, complimented by a variety of architectural plants, hardy succulents, textural grasses and a majestic fruitless olive tree. The transformation is further enhanced by a raised corten steel planter at the pathway entrance with gravel and succulents. Two horizontal ipe wood structures provide contemporary accents. New raised concrete planters alongside the new concrete driveway define the proper… - [Contemporary Landscape Design for a Narrow Back Yard in Napa, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-landscape-design-for-a-narrow-back-yard-in-napa-ca-pj-vj~1966600) - Location: Napa, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Napa, CA residence, adjacent to a steep rock hillside. My design solutions included a contemporary redwood horizontal fence to help screen the view of the hillside along with arbors for vines that help to break up the long narrow space. I designed a triangular-shaped pergola with decorative panels from "Parasoleil" that serves as an artful focal point while providing interesting shade patterns that casts its delightful shadow along fence and patio and bench below, changing its position as the su… - [Modern Water-Side Landscape Remodel - Front Lawn Replaced, Novato, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-water-side-landscape-remodel-front-lawn-replaced-novato-ca-pj-vj~582416) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: The front areas of this landscape in Bel Marin Keys, Novato, were transformed from a tired, water thirsty-lawn into a contemporary setting with dramatic concrete pavers leading to the home's entrance. And a new driveway design featuring large concrete slabs and small black pebbles set in a permeable resin in between. A variety of low-water plants for sun and part shade complete this project front yard transformation. Installed in February 2014. More plant updates early 2015. The back areas of th… - [A Vibrant Updated Landscape For A Spanish-Style Bungalow in San Anselmo, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-vibrant-updated-landscape-for-a-spanish-style-bungalow-in-san-anselmo-ca-pj-vj~2734669) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This California, Spanish-style bungalow gets a fresh new landscape and garden design that replaces the tired lawn with a creeping thyme ground cover and other low-water plantings. The new flagstone pathway, and a small patio echo the terra-cotta tones of the house and are softened by Elfin Thyme planted between the pavers. Colorful pottery and a Fermob Sixties Low Armchair complete the remodel. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design - [Mediterranean Garden in San Anselmo, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-garden-in-san-anselmo-ca-pj-vj~13169) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This San Anselmo (Sleepy Hollow), CA landscape in Marin county was completely redesigned to replace a large portion of the thirsty lawn. I created curving pathways and planting beds throughout this large landscape. Pathways and adjacent areas were designed with decomposed granite (DG) and flagstone. The plantings include CA native plants and other drought tolerant plants chosen to provide year-round color and appeal. Something is always in bloom in this garden! Photo and Design: © Eileen Kelly,… [See all 40 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/dig-your-garden-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1761691795) ## Ideabooks - [Houzz Survey: See what homeowers are doing with their landscapes now (u](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/156268565/list/houzz-survey-see-what-homeowers-are-doing-with-their-landscapes-now-u) — 2 ideas - [Remer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152649014/list/remer) — 4 ideas - [Stinson Beach](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152631231/list/stinson-beach) — 2 ideas - [Shelter from Wind](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149018525/list/shelter-from-wind) — 1 idea - [Garden paths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136701499/list/garden-paths) — 1 idea - [Edging Materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132904613/list/edging-materials) — 2 ideas - [Bev Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125844402/list/bev-ideas) — 1 idea - [Smith](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111454223/list/smith) — 14 ideas - [Solar Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/97230352/list/solar-lighting) — 2 ideas - [plants for hillside](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90032662/list/plants-for-hillside) — 1 idea - [screening plants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85581089/list/screening-plants) — 1 idea - [Dry Creek Beds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78936064/list/dry-creek-beds) — 3 ideas - [Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73300990/list/fire-wise-landscapes-can-help-keep-your-home-and-property-safe) — 14 ideas - [7 Stunning Plant Combinations for Low-Water Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68285884/list/7-stunning-plant-combinations-for-low-water-gardens) — 7 ideas - [Lose the Lawn: Alternatives - Befores and Afters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26474704/list/lose-the-lawn-alternatives-befores-and-afters) — 21 ideas - [Furniture, Pottery, Other Materials for Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2720364/list/furniture-pottery-other-materials-for-landscape) — 4 ideas - [Modern Landscape Desgin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2464394/list/modern-landscape-desgin) — 15 ideas - [Landscape Plants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2464439/list/landscape-plants) — 1 idea - [Seating/seat wall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8948392/list/seating-seat-wall) — 3 ideas - [Ground Cover](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4966929/list/ground-cover) — 9 ideas [See all 28 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/digyourgarden) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love this design** *(in Photo Questions)* Might you tell me what you used to hold back the stones between the PIP slabs. It appears to be two pieces of metal but I'm curious what type and how they are secured. Thank you A: Thanks for your compliment. The installers cut pieces of black steel edging and I believe behind them they imbedded wood and attached the steel pieces to anchor in place. Covered with the pebbles. **Q: hi there, what metal edging is this!?** *(in Photo Questions)* Metal edging A: It is a black steel edging purchased at local landscape yards here in northern California. **Q: landscape border/edging** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the specification of the landscape edging? is it corten? Is the color black? A: This is a steel edging, a bronze color my client located. **Q: pavers and rocks** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the design and proportion of pavers and rocks. What is the name of these pavers and size? Also the name of rocks and size? A: Thank you for the compliment. This project won an award thorugh the APLD! Some details are in the description for this project. Natural travertine stone, color chocolate. 18" x 24" surrounded by gravel. 3/8" gravel, I think it was Lodi. Gravel availability and type is very regional. **Q: gravel maintenance** *(in Photo Questions)* How do you keep weeds from growing in the crushed granite over time? A: The name is Trinity Crushed Gravel. Gravel types and availability vary at different landscape yards, this project is in Northern California. **Q: Deatils on Rock Spacing** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi - what is the amount of space of rock to the paver? i love that you step down from the stair with a bit of rock A: Hi, the spacing varies... probably about 3 or 4 below the deck and about 5 or 6 inches between the other pavers. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*