--- title: "Montecito Landscape — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/montecito-landscape-pfvwus-pf~277763971 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~277763971.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Montecito Landscape" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/66a3059803cd700d_7816-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1187 Coast Village Rd, Ste. 1-160, Montecito, California 93108, United States" latitude: 34.4378 longitude: -119.6159 phone: "(805) 969-3984" website: http://montecitolandscape.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 74 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Montecito Landscape > Santa Barbara's Award Winning Master Landscaper Original Houzz profile: [Montecito Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/montecito-landscape-pfvwus-pf~277763971) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Montecito, CA - **Serves:** Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Malibu, Montecito, Mission Canyon, Toro Canyon, Summerland - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2019–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - References available ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - References available Beautiful Gardens make people happy For over 54 years, Chris and Lisa Cullen, owners of Montecito Landscape have been creating beautiful gardens in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu and beyond. We are a bit old-fashioned, we don't hire salespeople or designers, when you call for a FREE Home Garden Consultation (805-969-3984) we take the time to find out what you want from your garden and work with you to make that happen. It is your garden after all, so it should be perfect. We do it this way because, nothing is more fun than visiting people's gardens, getting to know them, and envisioning how to take their landscape from ordinary to extraordinary. Life is about the journey; for us, this is our journey. The earth is our canvas and landscape design is our passion. I know it sounds corny, but we help people. When we create a more beautiful, more usable landscape and outdoor living environment for our clients we are enhancing our client's quality of life and giving them a little peace of mind, enjoyment, appreciation of nature and a bit of joy. Yes, we can tell you that as design/build contractors we design and install landscapes with our own crew of highly skilled artisans. Yes, Chris is a trained horticulturist and arborist, having graduated from the Sarasota Horticulture Foundation and after over 50 years as a licensed contractor, he KNOWS what works and what doesn't. But in the end, we are designing for our clients, for you. A landscape, a garden is a place to experience, enjoy and celebrate the beauty of outdoor living and nature. What is the Montecito Landscape difference? It’s about the joy, the joy in creating a more beautiful world one garden at a time. Call today (805) 969-3984, for a Free Home Garden Consultation. We look forward to meeting you. And until then, fill your garden with joy. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Masonry - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Patio Construction - Pergola Construction - Tree Planting ### Areas Served - Santa Barbara - Goleta - Carpinteria - Malibu - Montecito - Mission Canyon - Toro Canyon - Summerland ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - 500,000 We bid the job as a turn-key project, but also do time and materials bids. Depends on the client's needs. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Montecito Landscape | | Address | 1187 Coast Village Rd, Ste. 1-160, Montecito, California 93108, United States | | Phone | (805) 969-3984 | | Website | http://montecitolandscape.com | | License Number | 263156 | | Followers on Houzz | 74 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/montecitolandscape - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/MontecitoLand ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Montecito Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/montecito-landscape-pfvwus-pf~277763971) - **Website:** http://montecitolandscape.com - **Phone:** (805) 969-3984 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Numerous Montecito Beautification and Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards - Montecito "lifetime achievement award" from Montecito Beautification Committee - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2019–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Susan Brunn, Sept. 2018** > From beginning to end, working with Chris & Lisa Cullen was a dream. At the very first meeting, I could tell that they completely understood what I was trying to do, and what it required. In a very short period of time, we had a plan and a schedule. I was thrilled with their ability to get my project done on a pretty tight time frame. Their crew was amazing - punctual, hard working, dedicated, and considerate of me, as well as my neighbors. > > Wouldn't change a thing, as I'm thrilled with the end result! After just being finished for a few weeks, my new gardens look like they have always been here. I can't wait to see what they will look like a year from now! > > I can happily recommend Montecito Landscape for all of your landscape design and installation needs. You will not be disappointed!! **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you Susan! You were a delight to work with. xo Lisa ### All 15 reviews **★★★★★ — HU-508521562, Jan. 2022** > My daughter and I had absolutely the best experience with Montecito Landscape. Lisa and Chris expertly planned and executed one of the most beautiful gardens. We loved their ideas, their knowledge and their style. Not only that we had FUN! Recommend them completely! SEC **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you SEC, as you know I loved working with you and had lots of fun collaborating. Very kind of you to post a review. xo Lisa **★★★★★ — Pacific Painting Co, Aug. 2018** > To Whom it may Concern (which should be everyone interested in a gorgeous flower garden): > > I’m sitting in my newly installed garden, astonished at how quickly the plants are plumping and flowering. I don’t know many names of the plants, but I’ll learn, because the wizards behind this installation aren’t going anywhere. Chris and Lisa Cullen brought their decades of experience with plant selection and knowledge of “what works” in a particular micro-climate, sun exposure, and irrigation needs. > > This is the second iteration of a Montecito Landscape installation for us. The first go-around was voluptuously successful, but was decimated by the Jan. 9 mud flow. I did not hesitate to call Chris and Lisa again. They knew what we liked and what we wanted. They have a marvelous sense of color and texture and a way of creating a topography of highs and lows. > > They have a knowledgeable crew who are on time, responsive, and their jefe, Javier, is one of the nicest and most competent people you’ll ever meet. > > And, oh yeah, Chris and Lisa are pretty nice people themselves. > > Bob Latham > Montecito **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > thank you Bob and Maryann, it was a pleasure transforming your sea of mud into a beautiful garden. xo lisa **★★★★★ — jhart240, June 2016** > Being a girl from the Midwest, when we built our new home in CA, I had absolutely no idea what plants should be planted in CA! We asked Chris and Lisa to give us a plan.. Of course it was lovely! The landscaping was done and looked so beautiful I stood in awe! Everyone who came to our home said how beautiful it was driving up the drive and coming into the house! Thank you Chris and Lisa, you are the best! > Sincerely, Jeanne **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Jeanne, you were such a delight to work. I appreciated your allowing us to create that beautiful eden. **★★★★★ — robinalex, June 2016** > Montecito Landscape, Santa Barbara, California > Chris and Lisa Cullen, creative and knowledgeable professionals, are above all, completely receptive to their client’s individuality. Their crew is hard working, skilled, tidy, cooperative, and always polite. They joyfully took on the challenge of my very small space, an uninspired condo garden patio that had boring (and water guzzling) grass, an awkward slope and a lopsided, ailing lemon tree I insisted on keeping. To them, the slope was a design opportunity for a stairway and path undulating down to the creek, using only stone and boulder already on site, and no mortar whatsoever, completed in only one afternoon by their highly skilled crew. They gave invaluable technical advice in siting the hot tub, considering the landscape, slope and especially privacy. They had top notch sub-contractors for tile and carpentry. Inspired by my own Polynesian roots and preferences, they removed the grass, expanded the patio, and created a magnificent tropical garden, beginning with the existing palm and fern trees, adding some exotic but hardy choices, both large and small, and finally a fabulous passion flower vine. I am so pleased with my tiny “jungle,” a truly striking, inviting, intimate, organic tropical environment. It feels like an arboretum. Everyone loves it, especially me. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you Robin, you were such fun to work with and love the jungle we created for you! xo Lisa **★★★★★ — HU-327792, June 2016** > Our backyard is very modest, but it had deteriorated with overgrown corners, making it even smaller, with old, dying orange trees. Much of it was really inaccessible because it was raised and terraced away from the walkway at the side of the house. When Chris first visited, he asked if I liked to cook, and when I said "Yes," he had the theme for our garden. It would be dominated by edible plants--herbs, and fruit trees, and anchored by 2 existing trees--a white peach and a Meyer lemon. He added a second set of stone steps that led up to a gravel pathway that meandered from just outside the kitchen to a newly planted guava at the back corner. The path and the newly exposed sandstone wall at the back of the yard really enlarged the garden. The whole project was very swiftly accomplished, and Montecito Landscape's own employees were even even able to mine our own yard for stones to even out a stone wall and provide a "riverbed" down the side of the house. The pathway and the plants make it a delight to walk through, as I generally do several times a day. Many of the original plants are still here--rosemary and lavender bushes and several Mexican Sages, 2 new oranges, a lime and 2 guavas. Even here in the drought it looks pretty good, quite remarkable since we turned off the irrigation over a year ago. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you so much, we are happy to hear that everything is still looking good and that you are happy. As an artist your opinion is particularly important to us. xo Lisa **★★★★★ — kristymanning22, June 2016** > Chris and Lisa Cullen, and their professional team at Montecito Landscaping were wonderful to work with on our home landscaping project. They responded quickly to inquiries, provided expert guidance, and executed the project beautifully over a two week period. I’ve recommended their company to dozens of friends and colleagues. > > It was impressive how they demolished our existing landscaping in the front, side and backyard to create a clear pallet for Chris to do his magic. His artistic abilities and decades of experience became pretty clear to me during our first meeting. He shared stories of when he was younger working for master gardeners and obviously learned a great deal. He’s very straightforward, passionate about his craft, and honest. Our little Spanish house had great potential but it needed to be simplified (less eclectic) with more continuity throughout. Chris suggested that we incorporate herbs, citrus, and flowering plants along with Italian pots and an efficient drip system. He envisioned fluid pathways, low maintenance, drought tolerant plants, and replanting many of our succulents in more suitable areas. My husband and I were very pleased with the final product and two years later it still looks gorgeous! **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thanks Kristy, We love the way your garden turned out and it's such good to hear that all is well. You know you can always call us to advise on how to take care of your maturing garden. xo Lisa **★★★★★ — rob nolastname, June 2016** > Over the last two years, Montecito Landscape has done several jobs for us, from building a wood burning pizza oven to stonework to designing, planning & executing a large garden overhaul. Each project has been handled professionally, both by Chris & Lisa & their crew of workers, all of whom have been efficient, reliable & multi-skilled. > > We enthusiastically endorse & recommend them. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thanks for the enthusiastic review! We love your property and is one of our favorite projects of all time. It may have something to do with the fact that you two were so involved in the execution. And you are just so much fun. Happy pizza making! xo Lisa **★★★★★ — dcoventry, June 2016** > Very knowledgeable and friendly, they understood what we wanted to create around our house. They then explained how they would go about the job and then they did just that, > we couldn't have been happier. Now any visitor to our home comments on our beautiful garden!! **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > We loved renovating your garden and are pleased that you are happy with the result. Thanks so much for the wonderful endorsement. xo Lisa **★★★★★ — HU-612528, June 2016** > We have contracted with Montecito Landscape for separate projects on our property. They are very knowledgeable on all plants that grow in different conditions and the constraints on their water usage. Our property already had a color palate and Chris recommendations just enhanced the palate. Their gardeners or staff are very courteous and also knowledgeable. When they leave everything is cleaned, sprinkler working properly and plants planted as we wanted. I will likely hire then for two other projects in the future. Highly recommended. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thanks for posting the photos. This was a very creative project and love the modern style that you have created on your property. You were the perfect client, inspired and involved in the transformation. Thanks again, Lisa and Chris **★★★★★ — Randall and Jane King, June 2016** > We've used three prominent landscape professionals over the years for our Montecito property and finally found the gold standard. Lisa and Chris at Montecito Landscape proved to be talented, efficient, cost effective and fun to work with. Their entire crew worked diligently and seamlessly to produce for us a natural, vibrant and water conserving outdoor environment. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you Kings for allowing us to transform your property. We are honored by your wonderful review. We enjoy working for clients who are involved in the process and you certainly were there every step of the way, which we appreciated. We are always available to continue the training of your gardeners on the continuing maintenance of your landscape. Thanks for being such good custodians of the garden. Lisa & Chris **★★★★★ — Robert Boulware, June 2016** > Montecito landscape delivered a creative beautiful project on time and on budget. The crew members were extrordinary in every way. Chris was on site daily fully responsive and provided the highest quality materials on budget **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you Bob, your project was a real design challenge and we appreciate that you had the confidence in us and allowed us to "do our thing" with your property. You were dream clients that's for sure. Let us know if you need any follow up consultation as the garden matures. Lisa & Chris **★★★★★ — sblc, June 2016** > Chris and Lisa are extraordinary! Their incredible depth of knowledge and decades of experience have helped us transform our desolate property into an amazing natural landscape. More than anything, we love their authenticity and honesty - we would trust them with anything. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you so much. I have to credit you for inspiration as our guide on your project. We enjoyed our recent visit and walk through. You are doing a fabulous job! Lisa & Chris **★★★★★ — Kathryn W., June 2016** > We hired Montecito Landscape for 2 projects. First, they redid our side street from driveway to corner to a more drought tolerant landscape design with fruit trees and mulch. It looks clean and neat, and is much easier to maintain. They did a lovely job, were professional, on time, and we received many compliments from neighbours who loved the new look! The second was to redo the front of our home by eliminating our massive front lawn and redoing a drought tolerant, easy to maintain landscape with vibrant flowering plants for curb appeal. The new look is terrific and plants are well established and alive-almost a year later, despite the water shortage issues in SB County. Our yard looks lovely. We would definitely recommend Montecito Landscape to other consumers. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Thank you so much for the vote of confidence. You have done a wonderful job with the landscape and working with the drought in Santa Barbara. We appreciate that you trusted our vision for the renovation of your property and are proud of you for taking the plunge is getting rid of your front lawn! You know you can always call us for follow up consults should you have any questions about the maintenance. xo Lisa & Chris **★★★★★ — bourbon3, June 2016** > Montecito landscape is not just any landscape company. Chris & Lisa listened to what I wanted & then to my fantasy ideas & helped me fulfill my dream driveway entrance that I had waited 30 years to do. It looked like it was always there. > Their workers have been with them for years & I know why. Amazing job. I'm happy beyond words. **Comment from Montecito Landscape:** > Wow! You are a dream client and such a wonderful family to have gotten to know. Part of the enjoyment for us was hearing about the kids and their adventures in life. The other part of course, was the interaction with the two of you. We appreciate your continuing to consult us on your upcoming projects. Thanks for the great review. xo Lisa & Chris ## Selected projects - [Shepards Mesa Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shepards-mesa-modern-pj-vj~7522676) - Location: Carpinteria, CA - Photos: 37 - Description: This contemporary home needed a new landscape suited to the home and the environment. Situated atop a hill overlooking the ocean, the gardens are packed with colorful perennials. The existing vineyard remained and we added meandering paths throughout the property. Black gravel was added highlighting the contemporary design. The firepit allows a view of the ocean and the rest of the gardens. - [Montecito Phoenix rise from the ashes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-phoenix-rise-from-the-ashes-pj-vj~7276038) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 28 - Description: The story of this garden starts a long time ago. The property used to belong to San Ysidro Ranch and in fact was the location of the stables. Anyone who has been around awhile will recall that the Ranch had a stable and horses and guests could take rides on the San Ysidro Trail. That was before the Ranch got really fancy! It was fun, in fact the Stable Manager was a friend of mine and we used to ride in the Montecito foothills. Pardon me for digressing. A beautiful, Spanish Revival style home wa… - [Montecito Timeless Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-timeless-traditional-pj-vj~6819526) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 46 - Description: This was such a fun project. The client is an extremely talented interior designer so there was lots of collaboration as we designed the gardens. We removed massive overgrowth at the rear of the property which expanded the space and allowed for a complete redesign. The firepit on the gravel courtyard custom made from stainless steel with an electronic fire starter. We created several secret gardens in the back, one where the spa was installed and the other where we transformed a shed into a "pla… - [Montecito Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-haven-pj-vj~6834824) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 32 - Description: This project was a complete transformation. The property was all neglected lawns and plants. Oh and a bonus, we discovered that there was an ocean view! The main design challenge was how to create privacy from the street above. The client couldn't open her living room windows because of people walking by. A fence wasn't an option because of permitting issues. The solution was simple really, we redesigned the entry creating a place for an antique door which effectively blocks views to the front d… - [Montecito Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-mediterranean-pj-vj~2483244) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This gorgeous property was in need of updating. There was a massive lawn that was suffering from lack of water and the entire property needed simplification. We began by removing the lawn and constructed a formal central courtyard of crushed stone. The addition of Italian cypress contributed to the formality and gave this garden the Mediterranean look we were going for. Drought tolerant plantings of Mediterranean favorites like lavender, sages and rosemary surround the courtyard. - [Montecito Hideaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-hideaway-pj-vj~1114791) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 29 - Description: A completely new landscape design was what this over-grown and neglected estate needed. The many assets included Giant Oaks, Olives, Pepper trees, beautiful palms, the lovely setting and unsuspected ocean view. One of our favorite areas was the garden and patio on the north side that was transformed into a Yoga area. The beautiful tower was hidden by overgrowth making that side of the house unusable. As you can see, it is now open and light and exotic. The front courtyard was reshaped, natural s… - [Montecito Hedgerow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-hedgerow-pj-vj~6825142) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This was a true transformation from ordinary to extraordinary. We removed all of the lawns except a tiny lawn area in the back for the client's Corgi. Drought tolerant doesn't need to be succulents and desert plants. It can be lush and green, We also needed to create a garden that was non toxic for her lovely dog. We constructed a large DG courtyard to replace the lawns. The addition of two gas fire pits create two cozy sitting areas. The planting border is fruit trees, lavender, culinary herbs,… - [Santa Barbara Secret Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-secret-garden-pj-vj~7288932) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 12 - [Santa Barbara Drought Tolerant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-drought-tolerant-pj-vj~6819486) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: When asked to create something with very low water and very low maintenance, this is what we came up with. The plants are a variety of succulents, large and small plus a few traditional Mediterranean selections like Olives, rosemary, sage and lavender. Flagstone walkways in gravel is a great look I think. This is the ultimate drought tolerant and low maintenance garden. Hope you enjoy! - [Montecito Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-oaks-pj-vj~3762140) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This beautiful property off East Valley Road in Montecito needed a transformation. The landscape had suffered from years of neglect and overgrowth. The look was harsh and incoherent across the back and front part of the property. The landscape had good bones hidden over time and under overgrown plants. It needed a redesign for the whole layout to give it a fresh look. Dated brick pathways required a complete overhaul to modernize the space. It came across more motel than resort. Luckily, the cli… - [Modern Drought Tolerant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-drought-tolerant-pj-vj~2509162) - Location: Carpinteria, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: Modern, drought tolerant landscape design can be approached in a number of ways. This home is a work of art; sleek and modern with accents of wood, copper, concrete and stone. Set in an Oak Woodland, our assignment was to up-date the landscape design to complement the house. The existing landscape was filled with hedges, clipped within an inch of their lives. These walls of plants were heavy and dense, blocked distant views and just weren't all that attractive. Landscapes for Modern architecture… - [Malibu Beach Front Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/malibu-beach-front-estate-pj-vj~1064153) - Location: Malibu, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: When a client called from Malibu wanting to bring the essence of Montecito to their new home along the coast of Malibu, our interest was peaked. This sounded like fun. The estate turned out to be a run-down property, every inch in need of updating. The entry was simplified with the addition of crushed stone, matching trees on both sides and mass plantings of Mexican Sage. A bridle trail was constructed from the barn and hidden by the layers of plantings. An extensive outdoor living space was con… - [Hope Ranch Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hope-ranch-sanctuary-pj-vj~6933310) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - Description: Our assignment on this Santa Barbara Landscape design was to transform the courtyard to a park-like setting where grandkids could sit by the pond and watch the koi and where the family. The drought tolerant ground cover provides lush green and the bonus of white flowers in spring all with very little maintenance or water. I think it came out perfectly. And in the words of our client "I just got back to Santa Barbara and the garden is everything we wanted it to be. You accomplished it so well. Th… - [Cresta](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cresta-pj-vj~2328909) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This project was one of simplification. The home was an expression of modern sensibility so we felt the garden needed to reflect that. The idea was for the front entry to be the ultimate in severity and calm, while the back of the property would go a bit “wild” in contrast. The front courtyard was given an elegant feel. With the central pond as the focal point, natural stone paving was constructed with straight lines to emphasize the formal mood of the house and front entry. We further simplifie… - [Mid-Century Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-pj-vj~1105273) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This midi-century modern home received a complete redesign. Taking a clue from an existing old olive tree, three more olives were strategically placed across the front of the property. The trees along with Agaves, crushed stone and a few boulders completed the look. The result: clean, simple lines that complement and soften the modern lines of the house and the creation of privacy without completely blocking the house from the street. - [Montecito Mountain Top](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-mountain-top-pj-vj~1064214) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This new landscape design included a few distinct challenges. The first was the redesign of the front entry. Guests continually used the door to the kitchen and stairs to the office because they couldn’t find the front door. The existing concrete paving was dated and in fact distracted from the beauty of the home. The solution was to visually lead guests to the grand entrance and “hide” the two entrances we didn’t want them to use. The unusual use of curving lines in Travertine along with carefu… - [Montecito Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-cottage-pj-vj~1105214) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This historic Montecito Cottage was in desperate need of a makeover. The owner had very definite tastes when it came to style and specific plant choices. She had a very precise pallet of colors she wanted. This posed no problem because of the way we involve the customer, she approved each plant before it was used. In this way she got exactly what she wanted; a California version of a French Garden. Later when I saw these before pictures, I had to ask Chris where this was, as I didn’t recognize i… - [Santa Barbara Natural Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-natural-beauty-pj-vj~1069800) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: When you have a naturally beautiful setting, the task becomes how to work with nature rather than impose our will on her. This fabulous Oak Woodland property was one our favorite projects ever. With a year-round creek and a natural meadow, we wanted to make the house look as if it were hewn from the same stone and earth that surrounds it. A Volkswagen-sized boulder dominated the back and when we arrived the owners were discussing how they were going to cut up and haul it away! Horrors! We convin… - [Santa Barbara Cottage Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-cottage-garden-pj-vj~6868105) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - [Canyon Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canyon-modern-pj-vj~1104953) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This was a fun project. Here was a home with clean, modern lines whose landscaping wasn’t doing it any favors. In the back, there was a 14-foot hedge that was hiding the most glorious view and access to the canyon. And the lawn, well; I don’t need to say any more about that. Additionally, the client was extremely sensitive to chemicals of any kind, so we had to be very “green” in our methods. Chris’ bright idea was to take what was a flat, non-descript space and with grading create different lev… [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/montecito-landscape-pfvwus-pf~277763971) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/865906123.m3u8?s=a6138536fccd6d33c3eb5d4df9ced1835de72c02&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** We specialize in creating beautiful, custom gardens and outdoor living environments. Our projects often include custom bocce ball courts, fire pits, water features, edible and organic gardens, hardscaping, and comprehensive landscape design. We aim to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones, enhancing your quality of life. In short, we do it all. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** We handle both the design and installation of your landscape project with our own skilled crew. However, we also offer design-only services and project management. From the initial FREE Home Garden Consultation to the final touches, we ensure seamless coordination to bring your vision to life. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Yes, absolutely. This is not normally needed. We normally design on-site, placing plants, paths, and hardscape in the ground for best accuracy. We can create concept plans as part of our comprehensive landscape design process. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, designing beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces is a passion of ours. We regularly create custom patios, outdoor kitchens, and other hardscaping elements to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors. Our goal is to make your garden a true extension of your home. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Absolutely. We are experienced in designing beautiful and sustainable landscapes, including drought-tolerant and organic gardens. We understand the importance of creating environmentally conscious spaces that thrive in our local climate while reducing water usage and promoting natural ecosystems. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Mediterranean Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68355093/list/mediterranean-landscapes) — 18 ideas - [Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160273971/list/water-features) — 15 ideas - [Natural Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54334022/list/natural-landscapes) — 23 ideas - [Santa Barbara Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66812504/list/santa-barbara-style) — 18 ideas - [California Low Water Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49137505/list/california-low-water-gardens) — 9 ideas - [Traditional Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49137480/list/traditional-landscape) — 13 ideas - [Modern Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49137489/list/modern-landscaping) — 15 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54333914/list/outdoor-kitchens) — 8 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/montlandscape) ## Community Q&A **Q: beautiful stone** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love to know the details on the patio stone material and color. Thanks! A: The stone was an Oklahoma Cherokee **Q: Wheres the pizza oven from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes the pizza oven and what is the footprint of this little BBQ and pizza oven space? We are in Thousand Oaks. Thank you! A: Yes, I think I could help. Who is doing the design? And, if you could please email me at liscullen@montecitolandscape.com **Q: Fabulous outdoor furniture** *(in Photo Questions)* Are you able to share the manufacturer of the patio chairs? A: Thank you Maureen! **Q: WHAT KIND OF TREE IS THAT** *(in Photo Questions)* A: That is a California Pepper, Schinus molle. You don't normally see them this shape, but this one has been allowed to find it's own way. **Q: type of gravel?** *(in Photo Questions)* what type and color gravel is this? Is it chip seal and is it over asphalt? Thanks! A: Good question, the gravel is called California Gold and it is chipseal on asphalt xo Lisa **Q: What is the driveway color mix and make?** *(in Photo Questions)* Your colors are excellent. I was wondering if you might let me know the make and color of your drive? My home is not as spectacular as this, but I think the colors might work. A: The material of this driveway is SB Sandstone Cobble from Stoneyard Building Materials. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*