--- title: "Unique Garden Environments — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/unique-garden-environments-pfvwus-pf~218202237 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~218202237.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Unique Garden Environments" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b503ec440f28d194_9033-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Long Beach, California 90809, United States" phone: "(310) 502-4945" website: http://shirley_stem_kost_haskell.houzz.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 120 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Unique Garden Environments Original Houzz profile: [Unique Garden Environments](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/unique-garden-environments-pfvwus-pf~218202237) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Long Beach, CA - **Serves:** Long Beach - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Professional landscape designer, grower and plant broker since 1996, specializing in 'Water-Wise, Sustainable Landscapes', with California friendly plants. I transform old flower beds and grass lawns into year- round color and interest for people and wildlife; focusing on succulents, California native, Mediterranean, and Australian/New Zealand plants. Experienced in proper irrigation, soil prep and Rain water harvesting systems for Eco-friendly gardens! ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Deck Design - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Living Walls - Green Roofing - Garden Maintanence Coaching - Licensed Nursery -Water-wise Plants - Succulent workshops ### Areas Served - Long Beach ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Unique Garden Environments | | Address | Long Beach, California 90809, United States | | Phone | (310) 502-4945 | | Website | http://shirley\_stem\_kost\_haskell.houzz.com | | Followers on Houzz | 120 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — Unique Garden Envronments - LinkedIn — Shirley Kost ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Unique Garden Environments](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/unique-garden-environments-pfvwus-pf~218202237) - **Website:** http://shirley_stem_kost_haskell.houzz.com - **Phone:** (310) 502-4945 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Designer of the patio, water-feature and pots for the award winning, APLD display garden at the L.A. Arboredum Garden show 2010. Currently under contract as a selected designer for the Lawn-to-Garden program for the City of Long Beach, CA. - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2017), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Mark Silverman, Nov. 2016** > Shirley did a great job designing and installing our drought tolerant front yard. We only had vague ideas of what we wanted, and Shirley turned it into a beautiful design that is the envy of the street. Highly recommended! **★★★★★ — odawg627, Dec. 2015** > The garden that was arranged through our eyes for our lawn by Shirley was magnificent. So in speaking with Shirley about the program then deciding to go forward was a decision I would make over and over again! Shirley and her design team did an amazing job on executing this project head on. They really know what they are doing by balancing and managing structure into exactly what you need, and making it look exactly on how you visualized in the mind. The preparation as well as the timing for the process was not an overwhelming issue. Her team were willing to take the time and set it up right without rushing. Not to mention on how my wife, as well as myself loves the flower decor. We are stunned by how the river bed of rocks, and mounds come together so nicely. I would like to state again job well done for the whole team in bringing this project to a perfect ending of blissful happiness. Recommending you guys is what I have been doing ever since the project started, and will continue to do so further into the future. I would like to thank everyone that had their hands in it regarding the project, process, and completion. As well as making the project a design to fit my budget! > > > Thank you so much, > Otis O. **Comment from Unique Garden Environments:** > Thank you, so much, Otis for your review! It was a pleasure working with you and Michelle and thank you for your willingness to work with our schedule! If you ever have any additional concerns or questions, please fell free to contact me! > Happy New Year!! **★★★★★ — pammidell, Dec. 2015** > Shirley just recently redesigned and installed an entirely new look for our front yard. We did a drought resistant succulent garden with a seating area for a fire pit and chairs. > > She did a fabulous job. She was very reasonably priced, timely on all of her processes and was there every step of the way. > > I changed a few things along the way and she was flexible and helpful during that process as well. > > I would hire her again in a heartbeat. > > Pamela Adams > Long Beach Ca **Comment from Unique Garden Environments:** > Thank you, Pam! It was a pleasure working with you! **★★★★★ — terrybraun, March 2015** > Working with Shirley on our garden was a complete pleasure. She understood what we wanted, and helped us achieve it on our limited budget. As you can see when you look at Shirley's photos, she does not have a one-size-fits-all attitude toward her gardens, but works with her clients to create a garden that they will love. > > We had a lawn for 27 of the 29 years that we have lived in our home. For the first time, I am walking into my house noticing all of the wonderful things going on there. Why, I wonder, would anyone want to have a "lawn" when you can have a "garden" -- and Shirley is the best person to get you there! **★★★★★ — Carl Stammerjohn, Jan. 2015** > After enrolling in the Los Angeles Turf Replacement Program, we were in need of a landscape designer to help with the design of our new front yard. We found Shirley Kost of UGE on Houzz and have been extremely pleased with her. She has been very responsive and timely in all correspondence and followed through on all her commitments, and her knowledge of water-wise plants is amazing. She first came to the house and spent quite a bit of time with us to determine our needs. Soon after, we had a plan in hand and she came by again to explain everything to us. She was then able to provide us with all the plants, which was a huge timesaver for us. She delivered them promptly when required, then spent time with us and our contractor ensuring everything was placed correctly and to her satisfaction. All this for a reasonable fee. It’s so rare these days to find someone who is so responsive and responsible. Highly recommended! **★★★★★ — zelbel, Dec. 2012** > Shirley Kost managed our transition from a 'traditional" lawn to a lovely low-water garden of native plants. The praise from our friends and neighbors is constant. Shirley worked within a tight budget and was understanding of our needs to participate in the creative process. She has an extensive knowledge of plants as well as access to many unusual varieties which enhanced the unique look. **★★★★★ — dingk, Nov. 2012** > I have known Shirley Kost for many years and have worked with her on multiple projects and three homes. > Shirley has an unprecedented knowledge of plant material, what works where in Southern California and, importantly, where to find it. > By choosing the right plant material and redesigning the irrigation system, Shirley has reduced my water usage by over 50%. > My current project has been long term as I wanted to see how things were growing in as we progressed and Shirley has had the patience to work this through with me. > I would recommend Shirley for any landscaping project, large or small, residential or commercial. **★★★★★ — pavostpat, Oct. 2012** > Unique Garden Environments has been providing me with outstanding landscaping services for many years. Just one e-mail or phone call to them takes care of ALL my landscape design and maintenance needs at very fair prices! They are always willing to take the time to help me decide what design will be best for my home ( and budget )! > > If I could give them a 6 star rating, I would. ## Selected projects - [Scrivener](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scrivener-pj-vj~261475) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [RR-Long Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rr-long-beach-pj-vj~727049) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 48 - [DK-Pasadena](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dk-pasadena-pj-vj~726711) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [LR-Huntinton Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lr-huntinton-beach-pj-vj~726622) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Vermont Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vermont-project-pj-vj~726583) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [AA Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aa-project-pj-vj~103589) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Mid-Century Modern renovation. All lawn removed and updated with succulent, and 'Water-wise' plants. Traditional emitters for grass retrofitted with in-line emitters below top dressing. Groundcovers include gravel, composted mulch and sedums. - [Keynote](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/keynote-pj-vj~726462) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [L.A. Arboretum Garden Show 2010-APLD display garden 'The New California Garden'](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/l-a-arboretum-garden-show-2010-apld-display-garden-the-new-california-garden-pj-vj~103583) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/unique-garden-environments-pfvwus-pf~218202237) ## Ideabooks - ['Water-Wise' Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5081069/list/water-wise-landscape-design) — 2 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/shirley-stem_kost_haskell) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the colors!** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there, Is that a purple hopseed bush in the background? A fast grower? A: Yes it is!! Love using this for screens or even small trees with color!! **Q: I like the red flowering plants - would like to know what it is.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's a dwarf kangaroo paws - Anigozanthus!! **Q: Love the differing height and texture** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the plant with the purple flower, also the one to the left and right with the red/bright pink flower, and the plant that is just to the right of the purple flower plant that almost could be a ground cover type with a bluish green leaf? I have a very large planter full sun I have planted two small lantana and some muhly grass in but so much more space zone 9b A: The purple flower plant is Hebe. The red flower plant in front is Salvia greggii and the low ground cover is Dymondia-Silver Carpet. Should all do well in your zone in full sun. **Q: Tree** *(in Photo Questions)* What's the name of the yellow one? A: Ann, this is a Cercidium ' Desert Museum', hybrid Palo Verde, not thorns! **Q: What's this plant?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Leonotis leonurus- Lion's Tail, from the mint family! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*