--- title: "Verdance Landscape Architecture — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/verdance-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828811085 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1828811085.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Verdance Landscape Architecture" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/52c365bf0a5ad13c_6050-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 60311, Palo Alto, California 94306-1866, United States" latitude: 37.418 longitude: -122.1274 phone: "(650) 321-4242" website: http://www.verdancedesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 323 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # Verdance Landscape Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Verdance Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/verdance-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828811085) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA - **Serves:** Santa Clara, Redwood City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, San Carlos, Stanford, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley, West Menlo Park - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Offers Custom Work Verdance Landscape Architecture designs exceptional places that inspire life, at fine residences and estates in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, and throughout Silicon Valley. ### 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 - Deck Design - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts ### Areas Served - Santa Clara - Redwood City - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Menlo Park - Los Altos - San Carlos - Stanford - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Woodside - Portola Valley - West Menlo Park ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 1 million $200,000 - 1 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Verdance Landscape Architecture | | Address | PO Box 60311, Palo Alto, California 94306-1866, United States | | Phone | (650) 321-4242 | | Website | http://www.verdancedesign.com | | License Number | 6506 | | Followers on Houzz | 323 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/verdancedesign - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/johncblack - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/johncblack - Blog — http://www.averdantlife.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Verdance Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/verdance-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828811085) - **Website:** http://www.verdancedesign.com - **Phone:** (650) 321-4242 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CA Lic. \#6506 — APLD Certified — CLCA Achievement Awards: •2015: Wong Residence •2014: Johnson Residence •2014: Black Residence •2013: Ivey Residence •2010: Dargahi Residence — HGTV 'Landscapers' Challenge' Winner: Lambrecht Residence - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2025), 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) - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Polly Berquist, Oct. 2022** > California natural was our goal for our flat one-acre property. John designed a beautiful garden for us that is low in water use and high in ‘wow’ factor. It’s more beautiful than we ever imagined. Throughout the process from initial design to contractor selection, to permits, plant placement, and finally post completion follow-up; John, Ran, and Kaitlin have been on top of it all. Any questions or concerns were addressed promptly, even if it was a contractor or permit issue, they found the answer or at least kept us updated if it was out of their control. Their results exceeded our expectations, if we had another yard to do, we’d hire them again in an instant! **Comment from Verdance Landscape Architecture:** > Polly, it was a delight to work with you, too! Thanks for your confidence in our vision, and for the opportunity to create a unique destination you love coming home to. **★★★★★ — ellie\_yieh, Sept. 2022** > We engaged Verdance to turn our "cozy" yard into a peaceful space to enjoy California outdoor living. John and his team came through with great ideas, creativity and perfect execution. We couldn’t be happier with the results. We are enjoying our new garden very much and it has surprisingly grown our interests in flowers and plants. We spend much of our weekends taking in the tranquility of our new yard. Verdance met our ultimate goal for this project and more. Thank you !! **Comment from Verdance Landscape Architecture:** > Ellie, we are positively blushing. Thank you for your kind words. It is wonderful to know that you are so happy! We loved working with you, too, and we are grateful for the trust you placed in Verdance. **★★★★★ — Jon De Feo, Oct. 2019** > John Black and Verdance were amazing to work with. Not only does John and his team have amazing vision, but they were able to visually translate our thoughts and feelings into designs that were perfect. > > On top of that, John helped us in taking bids and choosing the right landscaping company for us. Between Verdance and the landscaper, the end result exceeded our expectations! We HIGHLY recommend Verdance and will never use another Landscape Architect. Thank you, Verdance! **Comment from Verdance Landscape Architecture:** > Jon, you couldn’t have made our job easier! Thank you for your trust in us, and for your partnership along the way. **★★★★★ — Jennifer Kleckner, March 2017** > John graciously jumped in to help us solve a thorny drainage and walkway problem we had not anticipated with our remodel. His design was elegant and very effective. We have admired his other work around town, the thought he puts into sustainability, and especially how he can get the most out of a small yard. He is a pleasure to work with, a real talent, and we would be delighted to work with him again! **★★★★★ — Dudley, Dec. 2015** > John came by way of a strong recommendation from a noted East Bay landscape design firm. It was clear from our first meeting on, that John was creative, passionate, knowledgeable, and practical in landscape design for native environments. > John did an exceptional job in creating a design for my property that incorporated my wide range of desires into a creative yet practical solution. He has truly created the outdoor "room" of my home. **★★★★★ — dnewell121, Oct. 2015** > John was a pleasure to work with. His design was inspired and was perfect for the driveway and surrounding areas. We really appreciated his integrity and attention to detail. If an issue arose during the project, John took care of it immediately. We never had to worry. > > We highly recommend John not only for his flair for design but also for his project management expertise. > > Daniel and Fe Newell **Comment from Verdance Landscape Architecture:** > Daniel and Fe, I'm so glad for the opportunity to help with your project! I greatly appreciate your faith in my vision, and your trust and support throughout the process. **★★★★★ — rachel\_azose, Aug. 2015** > John was truly exceptional in helping us plan out our backyard. He respected our desires, needs and our budget. We would definitely use John again in the future. I highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — scottbovard, Aug. 2015** > John worked with me and the crew from the HGTV show Landscape Smart in the renovation of my yard. From the start John showed his creativity, expertise and willingness to go the extra mile. My wife and I really enjoyed working with John and appreciate the results everytime we look out our windows and into our backyard. The intensity of the filming process put us all under a great deal of pressure but John was always cool and easy going while being decisive and committed to the quality of his work. For anyone thinking of hiring John for landscape design...do it now. **★★★★★ — andy\_dobrov, Aug. 2015** > John really listens to his clients and turns their ideas into a vision that is both creative and practical. He helped us convert our outdoor patio into a peaceful and beautiful space - a place we now frequently use and love. He came up with a bamboo arrangement that is gorgeous and blew away our expectations. We love sitting outside but the space was not inviting due to a combination of obvious and intangible reasons - including afternoon glare from the sun. Now we love the space and the bamboo filters the rays just right. Working with John is as good as it gets. He is a great listener and really cares about his clients. He is professional, conscientious, and exudes integrity. He artfully adapts his vision and creativity to the needs of his clients and makes them feel good. My wife and I do not come across people like this very often which is why we took the time to write this review. **★★★★★ — ann\_w, May 2015** > If you come across John Black at Verdance Fine Garden Design, please stop looking any further because you have found one of the best landscape designers in the bay area. My backyard was a field of dirt and weeds for many years until John transformed it with a design that turned into an unbelievable beautiful French theme fine garden. His well thought out design exceeded my expectations in many ways. My heart is filled with joy and gratification every time I stroll in my French garden; it only confirms my belief that John is one of the best designers in the landscape field. > > So what do I like about John at Verdance and his work? He has a genuine personality with integrity; he is trustworthy, he is clever and intelligent but always presenting himself as a humble individual. During the design process, he always bounced off thoughts and ideas for my inputs; this ensured that the designing was going in the right direction. He and his team did all the leg works then narrowed down the options for my final selections on detailed items such as stones, plants, BBQ grill, etc. His design was to the tee, every detail was clearly addressed on the plans or in the emails to the landscape contractor. He designs all styles of gardens but he is clearly conscientious about the California drought issues early on. Although my backyard is semi formal French style, it was planted with a lot of drought tolerant plants. His designs are unique for each project he works on. His keen eyes have created a harmony not only in the scents but the colors in the variety of plants and flowers and furnishings as well. He and his team were meticulous in details, punctual and accessible via phone calls, email and text messaging. Need I say more, I am so elated to write this review for John; I hope everyone out there will find and hire John for your landscaping project. You will not regret of your decision! > > The process with John at Verdance was easy. A two hours preliminary consultation at my backyard site turned into a signed contract with Verdance within a couple of days later. Next was filling out a list of questionnaires including a budget amount, my desire for the outcome and my long wish list; favorite pictures of plants, flowers and landscape styles were documented. The proposal and contract describing John’s work in phases with the associated fees were delivered in a timely manner. Then John and his team were hard at work on the plans and design. Once a preliminary design is approved by me, John helped bringing in multiple contractors for bidding the landscape project. My backyard was continuously evolved as the landscape contractor installed the design until it’s completed. And Voila, I have enjoyed my French fine garden ever since! **★★★★★ — sparky1717, Oct. 2014** > I had the most wonderful experience with John Black and his Verdance Landscape Design team! First off, he is a delightful fellow with a wonderful sense of humor. He's also extraordinarily clever and creative when it comes to design. He transformed my yard into a delightful garden-like "spa", and I entertain out there almost year-round. He started with a pile of weeds, and transformed it into a gorgeous "outdoor room" where I now spend most of my time. He and his team went way above and beyond my original expectations. I still cannot believe I have this beautiful garden that is literally maintenance-free! He took care of every little detail-- and then some. I cannot recommend him and his business more highly. I'd give him 10 stars if that were possible. **★★★★★ — Lifescape Custom Landscaping, Inc., July 2014** > I have had the pleasure of installing 2 projects designed by Verdance Landscape Design. John brought me in on both projects to do preliminary cost estimates which blossomed into construction contracts. John was extremely easy to work with as we co-labored to bring the homeowner's vision into reality. We share a passion for landscaping and are both interested in every little detail so that the final product is something we can take personal pride in. Whenever I had a question or was concerned about something he was readily available to help and give his direction and input. I would highly recommend John if you value great, well thought out design and someone who can take your project all the way through completion. I look forward to installing many more of Verdance's Award Winning landscapes in the future. ## Selected projects - [Oak Grove Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oak-grove-residence-pj-vj~7217321) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This one-acre site included an accessory building that lacked a strong connection to the main home, and large heritage Coast Live Oak trees whose preservation was paramount. Because the owners had no need for a lawn, we introduced low-water plantings with an emphasis on California natives and seasonal color. We added a deck and arbor to the accessory structure, as well as a generous fire pit and discreet grilling patio. Permeable gravel paths allow stormwater to percolate into the ground, reduci… - [Seneca Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seneca-residence-pj-vj~6130363) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This Spanish Colonial Revival home on a corner lot deserved a new landscape that would complement its architectural charm while indulging the owner's wishes for flowers, vegetables and fruits, seating areas, and art. Verdance delivered a sensory experience that conserves water yet brims with color, texture, and unique sculptural elements that delight the eye and spark the imagination. Installation by Modern Landscaping, Inc. with Drake Welding. Photos © Jude Parkinson-Morgan. - [Bautista Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bautista-residence-pj-vj~3434575) - Location: Morgan Hill, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: On this compact lot, Verdance created a succession of outdoor rooms while creating space for the owner's beloved rose bushes. The oversized recirculating fountain vessel directs views from indoors as well as out, while the custom arbor above the dining patio creates shade until sundown when the coordinating lounge patio welcomes guests. Drought-tolerant plantings reduce irrigation needs, while the paths of locally-sourced crushed stone allow stormwater to percolate. - [Stockbridge Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stockbridge-residence-pj-vj~5382138) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: The landscaping for this new custom estate home takes the owners on a "Mediterranean Journey" through a multitude of outdoor rooms and garden experiences. Drought-tolerant plant selections complement the native oak trees and reduce the site's water usage, with rose gardens and cutting flowers cleverly integrated to ensure an abundance of color in every season. Architectural features include a cedar pergola bridging the landscapes between the main home and the guest cottage, terracotta patios wit… - [San Carlos Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-carlos-residence-pj-vj~5587217) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 5 - [Santa Rita Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-rita-residence-pj-vj~46517) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This compact corner lot was transformed from a decrepit brick patio and failing lawn to a lush, intimate space for dining and relaxation. With a soothing color palette of only green and white, the plantings offer an incredible variety of textures and seasonal blooms. The paving complements the plantings with warm hues that coordinate with the remaining brick walkway. Laying out the spaces on the diagonal improves views from indoors and out, and creates the illusion of added space in the yard. - [Webster Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/webster-residence-pj-vj~32585) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 5 - [Bryant Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bryant-residence-pj-vj~46297) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This expansive back yard was redesigned in a rustic Mediterranean mood for homeowners who entertain large groups frequently. Separate "rooms" include a large dining patio, intimate sitting area, fire pit, and redwood deck. - [Cornell Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cornell-residence-pj-vj~186248) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 1 - [Emerson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/emerson-residence-pj-vj~186240) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 7 - [Catalpa Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/catalpa-residence-pj-vj~186244) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 10 - [Harker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harker-residence-pj-vj~186246) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 4 - [Redwood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redwood-residence-pj-vj~530188) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: We updated the landscape around this Palo Alto Eichler with a nod to the rustic character of the remodeled home. A dry-laid bluestone walk is complemented by drought tolerant perennials including silver Artemisia, variegated Euphorbia, Santa Barbara daisy, and blue fescue grasses, for color and texture throughout the year. - [Bowdoin Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bowdoin-residence-pj-vj~530190) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: A craftsman-style home was built on spec with little more than lawn in front, a concrete driveway and bark mulch in back. With an extensive redesign that pays attention to the smallest details, the owner is rewarded with an eminently livable landscape that creates a series of efficient outdoor rooms. - [Seminary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seminary-residence-pj-vj~530220) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This Menlo Park backyard was completely renovated to add a swimming pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, dining patio, play lawn and putting green. The classical style complements the home's architecture while creating a series of welcoming outdoor rooms. - [Dell Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dell-residence-pj-vj~5382023) - Location: Mountain View, CA - Photos: 1 - [Mountain View Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-view-residence-pj-vj~2903762) - Location: Mountain View, CA - Photos: 10 - [French Garden-2015 CLCA 1st Place Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-garden-2015-clca-1st-place-award-pj-vj~595227) - Location: Santa Clara, CA - Photos: 10 - [Villa Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/villa-residence-pj-vj~186268) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [San José Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-residence-pj-vj~186262) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/verdance-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828811085) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179794558/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179794557/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Private Inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34905067/list/private-inspirations) — 7 ideas - [Begeman Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160857675/list/begeman-landscape) — 45 ideas - [Pool Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76186807/list/pool-ideas) — 4 ideas - [Products](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52719599/list/products) — 3 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/verdancedesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Techo-Bloc alternatives** *(in Landscape Design)* Hi! We are getting ready to re-landscape our backyard and the architect has recommended TECHO-BLOC for walkway pavers, steps, patio-firepit and retaining walls. I just read the company’s website Care & Maintenance document and I think we should consider another product with lower maintenance. TIA for any ideas and advice!! Kadi A: At that point I’d just go with ceramic tiles. You’ll find vastly more options, including contemporary styles, than with any interlocking paver. The benefit of pavers like Belgard or Tech-Bloc is that they don’t require a concrete foundation, so materials and installation are less expensive. If you’re pouring a slab anyhow, those advantages go away. **Q: Need help with front entrance, please.** *(in Landscape Design)* Hello, I would appreciate some help on what to do with the front entrance. The gap on the right of the steps has always bothered me and I would like to replace the steps and somehow hide the downspout so that it is not in the way of the walkway. There is very little slope where the downspout is and so I thought if we carried the first step right to the garage we could put it under the first step? Any help would be very appreciated. I am not great a design and it has got me stumped. Thanks! A: Karen, I'd be bothered by that gap too. If you do replace the steps, I'd extend them all the way to the side wall if possible. If you don't replace the steps, maybe replace the existing brown lantern/pot(?) with something brighter, maybe a container planting on a pedestal, with an uplight beneath it so it's not a black hole at night? A tree with uplighting would be lovely, but I can't think of any species that would be narrow enough for the space and not so tall that it would obstruct your mailbox. Bringing the steps all the way out to the garage would look positively massive… I think you probably don't want to do that. You also probably wouldn't want to create a puddle at the bottom of your steps. You should be able to install a drain inlet beneath the downspout that could run beneath the walkway and out into the landscaping, with a "pop up" outlet at the end of the run. Talk with a licensed landscape contractor about that—they can determine where the best location would be for the outlet, and how to build the system. **Q: Love the red chairs** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the red outdoor chairs. Who makes them? A: Thank you! Aren't they great? Those are from the 'Hot Mesh' collection by Blu Dot Design, www.bludot.com. **Q: What do plant in front a stand of clumping bamboo?** *(in Landscape Design)* I just cut the bamboo back from the short wall and topped it as a do every year. During renovations on my home I'd like decide what planting would go in the two recessed planters at the sidewalk. I get quite a bit of leaves falling all year round from the bamboo and the flax I had planted there couldn't handle the leaves falling into it. I did my best to detail it but it was getting to the point I needed to almost damage the flax to clean out all the bamboo leaves. Yes, I have a gardener but he is a blow and go type. The remaining agave you can see were able to be blown clean. A: As you discovered, the more crevices the plant has, the harder it will be to dislodge those bamboo sheaths. So I'd look to either very large/coarse-leaved plants like Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia species) or even a large trunk-forming succulent like Euphorbia ammak 'Variegata', or very feathery ones like Mahonia 'Soft Caress' or Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt' that don't have enough leaf surface to trap the sheaths. Make sure you choose species that can handle the sun exposure there, including the glare off the white wall and the urban setting. The bamboo won't stop raining debris no matter what you plant, so you or your gardener might invest in a shop vacuum (with the narrow crevice tool attachment) to suction out debris from the Agave and other plants — much more effective than trying to blow it out. Also, topping bamboo really isn't an effective way to control debris. Bamboo doesn't grow like shrubs or trees; bamboo canes (or culms) are genetically predetermined to grow to a certain height -- say, 20' -- and then stop growing. Topping them creates that dense "witch's broom" of branchlets visible just below the cuts, which creates even more leaves and therefore more debris. It would be much more effective to cut out the old, mature culms at the base of the plant as the new ones grow in, allowing the new culms to reach their full height before cutting them out the following season. Good luck! We'd love to see photos of what you decide to do. **Q: Green Giant Placement?** *(in Landscape Design)* Hi All, getting a pool installed in the beginning of spring. I am looking to put about 20 green giants down and was looking for placement ideas. about 6 will be bordering my back driveway with a fence surrounding the pool. First question. How far should they be placed away from the driveway to prevent signifcant overhang. Secondly how far should they be placed away from my black aluminum fence? A: Growers provide guidance how large a species can get — in the case of Thuja 'Green Giant', probably about 18' wide — under ideal conditions. But a local nursery might give better advice on how large it will get, in your area and under your conditions. So I'd start there; and if you're uncertain, cheat toward the ideal a little bit. In this case, if you expect a "true" width of 12', then planting the trees 6' to 8' from the edge of your driveway or fence should prevent significant overhang or damage. Similarly, planting them 6' to 8' on center would create an edge-to-edge hedge at maturity. **Q: I'm not sure where to get started in regards to a landscape plan** *(in Landscape Design)* I have a lot of prior gardening experience, and have a good idea of what I like/am willing to maintain, but most of that is in a totally different part of the country with different growing conditions and soil. We are having a house built and we aren't far from final grading. I'd like to work with a landscape architect/designer to come up with a plan so we can have hardscaping done prior to installing any fencing, and then I can start plugging away at plantings and whatnot. The style of our house and desired garden is far from the norm in our area, and I'm not sure where to get started in even trying to find someone who is willing to just do the design/hardscape work and none of the planting? I'd love some input. A: @Laurel C, try the "Find A Designer" link at www.apld.org . A professional landscape designer probably will be more helpful with the grading and hardscape ideas and planning. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*