--- title: "Blue Hibiscus Gardens — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-hibiscus-gardens-pfvwus-pf~1862624996 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862624996.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Blue Hibiscus Gardens" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5713c06908d40a0b_1314-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Sunnyvale, California 94085, United States" latitude: 37.3886 longitude: -122.0177 phone: "(408) 905-9815" website: http://BlueHibiscusGardens.com rating: 5 review_count: 27 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 45 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Blue Hibiscus Gardens Original Houzz profile: [Blue Hibiscus Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-hibiscus-gardens-pfvwus-pf~1862624996) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Sunnyvale, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Redwood City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Campbell, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Saratoga, Stanford, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Cambrian Park, Monte Sereno, West Menlo Park - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (27 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2018–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Award winning Blue Hibiscus Gardens is a Landscape design and consultation business in the San Francisco bay area, specializing in 3D simulations, low-water and low-maintenance plants, and edible gardens. Blue Hibiscus Gardens originated from a love of gardening, a hobby and wanting to eat fruits and vegetables from my own yard. After years of working as an engineer, having added another degree of Environmental Design and Horticulture, I can help my clients with the best choices and techniques for removing their lawns, mixing it up with California natives, drought-tolerant plants, and edibles. Elegant low-voltage landscape lighting, water-saving drip irrigation, organic soil amendments, firewise materials and weed prevention, ... Let's talk about how to bring them all together. Great design and a garden that you enjoy every day are my goals. A properly designed landscape is one of the few purchases that will improve with the passage of time. Whether you are a DIYer who needs help to get started or you want a full yard design, I can help you! ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Potted Plants - ReScape Firescaping Certified ### Areas Served - San Jose - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - Redwood City - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Cupertino - Campbell - Menlo Park - Los Gatos - Los Altos - Saratoga - Stanford - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Cambrian Park - Monte Sereno - West Menlo Park ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Blue Hibiscus Gardens | | Address | Sunnyvale, California 94085, United States | | Phone | (408) 905-9815 | | Website | http://BlueHibiscusGardens.com | | Followers on Houzz | 45 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/BlueHibiscusGardens - Blog — https://www.bluehibiscusgardens.com ## Offers Virtual & Remote Garden Design Options _Call Now for More Information_ (valid through May 2020) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Blue Hibiscus Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-hibiscus-gardens-pfvwus-pf~1862624996) - **Website:** http://BlueHibiscusGardens.com - **Phone:** (408) 905-9815 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Environmental Horticulture and Design Degree - ReScape Qualified Professional for Regenerative Landscapes and Firescaping - Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper - APLD International Design Gold Award 2022 - APLD International Design Silver 2023 and 2024 - APLD California Chapter President 2025-2026 - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2018–2025), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [California Landscape Contractors Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/california-landscape-contractors-association-pfvwus-pf~127371204) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 27 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Corinna, April 2026** > We had such a great experience working with Gun on the redesign of our front yard and backyard. She was referred to us by our neighbor, and from the first time we met her, she was knowledgeable, organized, thoughtful, and easy to work with. > > We wanted something beautiful but low maintenance, and Gun really took the time to understand what we were looking for. She had us complete a survey, met with us a few times, and put together a thoughtful design with visuals and a really cool rendering video that helped us picture the final space. > > What stood out most was how much expertise she brought to the process. She truly knows her plants and was great at explaining what would work best in different areas based on light, watering needs, and long-term maintenance. She also uses great technology and apps to help think through lighting, irrigation, and the overall design. > > Gun was onsite multiple times to walk through plant and tree options with us, and she also referred us to a great landscaper who helped bring the design to life. During the final walkthrough, she even brought over a few plants from her own garden, which was such a sweet and personal touch. > > We love her expertise, her attention to detail, and the special touches she brought to the project. We highly recommend Gun! **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > It was a total pleasure to work with you and bring your goals to life. I am excited to see the garden grow in, see the birds in the grotto, the fragrance and fruit of the plants fill the garden. **★★★★★ — barrbmirmabarr1, April 2026** > Gun quickly understood our vision for an updated yard - a garden with lots of color and variety. Gun systematically assessed lighting and water requirements for the various areas, and helped select a beautiful variety of plants. She designed water zones and drip system. She did a great job with improving the lighting plan, and worked very well with our contractor. Gun communicated back and forth with the contractor on the plant list, and helped select alternate plants when some were not currently available. We are retaining Gun for future consultation on the watering schedule and highly recommend her services. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure working with you on your garden. We were able to bring in color and contrast while being mindful about water use. I look forward to seeing the garden grow in and support you when needed. **★★★★★ — Living Room Redesign, Dec. 2024** > Gün helped me completely re-imagine my front-yard and I am SO happy with the end result. > Our front yard was a challenging shape with quirky features that made it difficult to imagine any other way, but Gün helped me with 3D visuals that creatively restructured the whole yard, creating a lovely flow. > She was patient with my questions and requests for changes, and even showed up on planting day to help properly position all the plants. I would highly highly recommend working with Gün. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you for the kind words. I love doing plans for hardscape, but as I am horticulturally trained, plants are my passion, and I like to be there during planting days to ensure good spacing rules are obeyed and correct soil enhancements are done. This is especially true for our CA natives and Australian plants, which resent high nitrogen or high phosphorus! **★★★★★ — Dylan E, Oct. 2024** > Gun completely transformed our backyard into a beautiful outdoor space. Her plant selection is thoughtful and beautiful and I am looking forward to watching everything grow in over the coming seasons. Highly recommend. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you for the kind words Dylan! I think the ambiance of the garden with the new plants and lights and the water feature is sublime. I hope you enjoy it day and night. I am always available for any questions. Best wishes. **★★★★★ — K M, Aug. 2023** > Our lawn was 100% weeds when we contacted Gün to see what we could do. She was able to create a vision, and make it happen. She is easy to work with and really knows her stuff. She came up with awesome ideas and suggestions of the best plants that would work best with out kind of soil and location. We wanted California native drought resistant plants and she devised a plan that would work with the existing plants we wanted to keep. > > Even months after work has been completed, people comment every day how nice our garden is. It is everything we hoped it could be, and more. I've no hesitation in recommending Gün. You won't regret it. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you for the kinds words! I am looking forward to seeing the fruit trees produce and the drycreeks sink the rain water from the downspouts to recharge our groundwater levels! The low water perennials and shrubs have already taken off. Thank you for including the lovely photos and trusting me to design your yard. I have already gotten calls from your neighborhood :) **★★★★★ — Bob Stevens, Aug. 2023** > Friends recommended Blue Hibiscus Gardens to us and we are so glad they did. We couldn't be happier with the result of our backyard transformation from a tired lawn surrounded by old plants to a beautiful, natural, low-water garden that qualified for a $3,700 rebate from our water company. > > Gun Unsal was a pleasure to work with ... she's fun and energetic, was very responsive to our ideas, while offering her vision of how to accomplish what my wife and I were looking for. Since my wife and I had different ideas about plants and colors, Gun was able to satisfy both us with the resulting design. Gun is fun to work with, she's very creative, as well as being highly proficient in using digital design tools for both 2D plans and 3D flyovers. Having worked with many landscape designers and architects in my business career, Blue Hibiscus Gardens is the best firm I have ever worked with. > > My wife and I are now drawn outside to enjoy our new garden ... every day my wife is reading outside near our new fountain and I have become much more interested in watching our many plants grow and bloom. Bottomline is that thanks to Gun we are enjoying being outside more than ever and look forward to years of watching our wonderful garden grow. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you so much for the most kind words! I am thrilled to hear that now you are truly using and enjoying the garden. In addition to the rebate advantages, the plants we have picked are a boon for birds and bees, especially with the water fountain nearby. Looking forward to the plants filling in and providing a natural feel that you were looking for soon! **★★★★★ — Lori, Feb. 2023** > Gun delivered exactly what I was looking for! I especially enjoy the peaceful setting of my front courtyard, where I like to sit and read and watch the birds enjoying the fountain. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you Lori! My first goal is to make my clients happy. And when we can do that with habitat friendly options, it is even better! **★★★★★ — Ev C., Nov. 2022** > We are so grateful that we chose Gün to help make our outdoor living space a dream come true! She was absolutely wonderful and easy to work with. > > She took note of all our ideas and concerns and provided many great suggestions that we incorporated into our final plan. You can tell that Gün is truly passionate about horticulture and knowledgeable about her work--her designs, the quality of her work, and her communication with us prove this. Everyone now compliments how nice the yard looks and loves how comfortable it is to sit out and gather in it. This is all thanks to Gün's help and design. > > We also appreciate how she occasionally sends emails about tips or reminders that help our garden thrive. It feels like we've gained a friend not for only ourselves, but for our garden. > > We recommend reaching out to Gün to anyone who is interested in designing a new yard or updating their current one. She does fantastic work, is a great listener, and will work with you to make your backyard dreams a reality. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Dear Ev, Thank you for the kind words. I am happy to be your garden friend and your cards and notes mean a lot as my ultimate goal is for my clients to be happy. I think we made a very usable, friendly and fruitful garden from what used to be a sloped and small yard. I hope 2023 is a bountiful, beatiful year for you. **★★★★★ — Anthony, March 2022** > I really can't recommend Gün enough. She provided us with an amazing garden design that we are enjoying the result of every day now. > > Please note that the pictures are still on the garden just after it's been installed so it will need some time to grown in. > > Our space was narrow and awkward, so it was a challenge to find the right designer for it. Ultimately, we are very happy with the result and are looking forward to watching it all grow in. She was flexible with us, going through multiple revisions of the design, and provided a detailed plan for any landscape contractor to follow. She also provided us a referral for a landscaper with whom she often works, and they were great as well. > > Thank you, Gün! **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you Anthony! Once the vines cover the fence, the bulbs fill in, all the furniture comes in, it will feel much cozier indeed. I think we did make excellent use of the narrow areas for living/lounging/dining by the patio doors and still made space for children to play in the corner of the backyard. Looking foward to seeing it all grow in! **★★★★★ — Shannon Griscom, March 2022** > Gun at Blue Hibiscus Gardens is a no-nonsense professional who really knows her plants and has wonderful connections. She convinced me to have my deck rebuilt before redoing the yard, and she connected me to Jesus Zazueta Landscaping. His company rebuilt the deck and carried out the yard plan done by Blue Hibiscus Gardens. I'm delighted with her work and her company. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you Shannon for your kinds words. I hope you do enjoy the new deck and garden and fountain, sitting among the CA native plants while saving water from the lawn removal. The birds and bees will also appreciate it. Thank you for taking the leap to incorporate all the native plants! **★★★★★ — Spencer Fung, May 2021** > Like many, we wanted to remodel our garden after spending so much time at home. Looked at a number of reviews for landscape designers and met a few. Fell upon the Blue Hibiscus website and liked what we saw. Met Gün and thought she was the perfect designer for us. Honest, straightfoward and direct. She walked though our garden inquiring about our likes and dislikes. Threw out ideas to get us thinking about what we would want. Never thought of the daybed swing but the minute she mentioned it, my wife loved the idea. The same for the fountain. The idea percolated as she sent one website after another helping to guide us. We found the perfect fountain that is part water feature and part art. It gives me a sense of peace every morning as I stare at it drinking my first cup of coffee. We can't thank Gün enough for having the skills to carry out what little we could convey about what we wanted. The garden is perfect for us. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > I am so happy to hear you are enjoying the elements I added to your design! The birds will also enjoy the source of water and frequent your yard now. I hope you are able to spend many great summer moments in the new daybed area and patio along with saving money and water with the lawn removals! **★★★★★ — S K, March 2021** > We are very, very happy with our landscaping project and our interactions with Blue Hibiscus Gardens. We had an excellent working relationship with Gün, (the owner/designer) with whom we participated at every step. We reviewed plans, her suggested plantings, and made decisions together. Honestly, we had such complete confidence in her work that we had very few changes to her design. However, when we did, she was very open to our ideas and worked with us to include them. The work included hardscape, landscape, and a pergola. In the back yard, the new flagstone was very successfully integrated with existing flagstone, because of Gün's attention to detail in the design. Our front and back yards have been transformed into a beautifully-designed and inviting area. **Comment from Blue Hibiscus Gardens:** > Thank you for you kind words, it was a pleasure to work with you and on your garden. Hoping to see some good cost savings on the front lawn removal and seeing plants fill in throughout the yard for cozy and shaded sitting areas! ## Selected projects - [Vignettes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vignettes-pj-vj~2792116) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 50 - Description: Various features such as walls, patios, water fountains, fences, firepits, hardscape elements and planting palettes. - [Backyard with pond and sport court](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-with-pond-and-sport-court-pj-vj~5748044) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 17 - [Contemporary yard for a contemporary house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-yard-for-a-contemporary-house-pj-vj~5836754) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: A newly installed garden with new Dymondia lawn, Ipe fence, Agave and Cordyline border in front. Kangaroo Paws and Yarrows in front of ledge. Syndney Peak pre-cut paver entry with LaPaz river rocks and steel edging. - [Backyard Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-sanctuary-pj-vj~5752544) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 6 - [Farmhouse Chic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-chic-pj-vj~7557235) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Fully utilized garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fully-utilized-garden-pj-vj~6617812) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 19 - [Full yard remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/full-yard-remodel-pj-vj~2886580) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 41 - Description: APLD Small Garden Gold Award at the 2022 APLD International Landscape Design Awards Front, back and side yards were remodeled. A back patio was enlarged and converted to bluestone. A new porcelain tile front path was laid. Despite the summer installation, the garden has done well. The plants will grow further in to fill the space. Until then the cat likes to cuddle with the plants. Featured in article on small gardens at: https://www.thespruce.com/small-backyard-landscaping-ideas-4691367 - [Contemporary Zen Front and Back](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-zen-front-and-back-pj-vj~6632486) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 21 - [Lawnless & Vibrant Full Yard Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lawnless-and-vibrant-full-yard-remodel-pj-vj~6695405) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 15 - [New life for an old garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-life-for-an-old-garden-pj-vj~7035358) - Location: Santa Clara, CA - Photos: 24 - [Low Water, Vibrant Full Yard Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/low-water-vibrant-full-yard-design-pj-vj~6530275) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 12 - [Simply Elegant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simply-elegant-pj-vj~6498636) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Backyard lawn area reduced to make space for a patio with shade sails, a water feature and espalier fruit trees. Privacy fences added to make the garden feel more secluded and private. Pavers are extended to make paths to the middle and side yards for access. Photos right after installation. The plants will double in size over time. Low voltage uplights and pathlights. Side yard has bamboo planters that are aligned with the windows of the house. - [Low-water Drycreek Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/low-water-drycreek-garden-pj-vj~2792570) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 34 - Description: A low-water, low-maintanence garden that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies replaces junipers. A drycreek was created under the downspout and curves around the existing Melaleuca trees and is sprinkled with CA native Juncus plants. The fence is there to keep the dogs roaming easily in the front yard as the homeowners enjoy their new patio with the circular benches. The landing to the house is paved with porcelain tiles with a wood-look and metallic Schluter edging. A small rock garden wit… - [Simply Tranquil](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simply-tranquil-pj-vj~7033108) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Estate garden with contemporary features](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/estate-garden-with-contemporary-features-pj-vj~6490183) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 14 - [Townhome warmth](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/townhome-warmth-pj-vj~6384058) - Location: Santa Clara, CA - Photos: 12 - [Lawn to Front Yard Gathering](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lawn-to-front-yard-gathering-pj-vj~6029293) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 10 - [Lawn Removal Under Oak](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lawn-removal-under-oak-pj-vj~2732895) - Location: Mountain View, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Grass lawn was removed and replaced with a dry creek, flagstone path, planter with succulents and oak friendly shrubs and ground covers. Up lighting was added to highlight features such as the manzanita and the tall planter. The fallen oak leaves are left instead of being blown away: Oaks love to have their own leaves as mulch. If necessary, the leaves can be run through leaf mulcher to break them into smaller bits. Photos six months after planting day. - [Contemporary Transition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-transition-pj-vj~6449873) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 10 - [Sustainable Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustainable-garden-pj-vj~5715651) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 9 [See all 33 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-hibiscus-gardens-pfvwus-pf~1862624996) ## Ideabooks - [Landscape Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184493784/list/landscape-lighting) — 5 ideas - [Traditional Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160146068/list/traditional-gardens) — 4 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bluehibiscusgardens) ## Community Q&A **Q: what is the material of front walkway?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi - the front walkway appears to maybe be cement base with slate on top? A: Porcelain pavers on concrete base. **Q: what kind of lawn grass in the backyard?** *(in Photo Questions)* I’m wondering what kind of grass is the backyard lawn? It looks like a clumping grass? A: It is a mow-free sod. It is a mix of fine fescues. For a meadowy look, that is what I use. In CA, you can get a blend made with CA native fescues (one of them is red fescue, which is a spreader). There is also a no-mow option with some native, some non-native fescue. But they are usually all fine fescue blends. Take a look at Delta Bluegrass website for mow-free sods. **Q: What color are the shingles?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the colors! A: Hi Jayson, I worked on the landscape design after the home was already remodelled, therefore, I can only answer the landscape questions sadly. But I did try to pick colors that would stand out against the darker color of the home. **Q: where can I buy these pavers?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I buy these pavers? A: Hello Yun, These pavers are pre-cast concrete pavers from Stepstone. Check with your local supply yard to see if they carry the brand. If not, you can check with Stepstone directly who carries them: https://www.houzz.com/pro/stepstone-inc/stepstone-inc **Q: What's the name of the plant with purple flowers?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your question. It is a 'Petite Butterflies' sweet pea shrub. Its botanical name is Polygala fruticosa 'Petite Butterflies.' **Q: Grass** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this a miscanthus grass? Which variety? A: Please note that Mexican feather grass is invasive in certain parts of the USA like California. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*