--- title: "Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jonathan-espalin-landscape-designs-pfvwus-pf~470053301 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~470053301.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2b13b52301130802_9193-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Olympia, Washington 98506, United States" phone: "(530) 902-2627" website: http://www.now-garden.net rating: 4.8 review_count: 30 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 121 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs > Award Winning Landscape Designer \| 4x Best Of Houzz! Original Houzz profile: [Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jonathan-espalin-landscape-designs-pfvwus-pf~470053301) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Olympia, WA - **Serves:** Tacoma, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tanglewilde-Thompson Place, Rainier, Anderson Island, Nisqually Indian Community, East Olympia, Littlerock, Proctor - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (30 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Works with Residential Clients to develop ecologically responsible gardens for outdoor living and enjoyment. Whether you need a simple planting design, or a complete outdoor-living environment, I can provide full design services including design of planting and hardscape and 3D visualizations of the site. From my experience with local installation contractors, I can ensure that your project is on-budget, and practical to install. I can collaborate with select local installers to complete your garden project. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Design Consultation - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens ### Areas Served - Tacoma - Olympia - Lacey - Tumwater - Tanglewilde-Thompson Place - Rainier - Anderson Island - Nisqually Indian Community - East Olympia - Littlerock - Proctor ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs | | Address | Olympia, Washington 98506, United States | | Phone | (530) 902-2627 | | Website | http://www.now-garden.net | | Followers on Houzz | 121 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jonathan-espalin-landscape-designs-pfvwus-pf~470053301) - **Website:** http://www.now-garden.net - **Phone:** (530) 902-2627 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2024), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 30 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 40.0 - Communication: 40.0 - Value: 40.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-714218000, Jan. 2023** > Jonathan’s creations rank TEN STARS! We count ourselves fortunate to have secured his services because what he designed for three sides of our corner lot house well exceeded our expectations. We have our garden-for-life. He recommended Imagine Landscapes which were the perfect partners. Our garden was completed TODAY\* - low-water, bird- and butterfly-friendly (already!), and evokes the serene, clean, colorful, and nourishing environment we were seeking. Jonathan has abundant talent in both the art and science of what is needed for a stellar earth-friendly and sustainable design. What we especially appreciated about Jonathan were his fresh ideas, deep knowledge, and collaboration. He created a garden pallet which we will enjoy for years. > > \*so in a few months it will be even more lush and colorful. **★★★★★ — Katie, June 2021** > We recently purchased a corner lot property that has a lot of land and zero curb appeal. We came to Houzz to find someone to help us come up with a vision for what the front and side yards could be. As soon as we saw Jonathan's drawings and project photos online, we knew we had found our landscape designer. He has an eye for color, design and balance that is unparalleled. When he came to our home, we found him to be very knowledgeable, creative and easy to work with. He listened to what we wanted and had us send inspiration pictures of what we liked, and he incorporated those ideas into a beautiful design that is above and beyond our expectations. We feel so fortunate to have been able to have our landscape design done by Jonathan and would highly recommend him! **★ — HU-494006441, Dec. 2020** > No doubt Jonathan is a talented designer. However, when we asked him for referrals or addresses of projects he had designed--something entirely reasonable and expected--he declined alleging we suffered from an "enthusiasm gap". We were dumbfounded. Who says this? I guess record demand thanks to Covid is inflating egos alongside contractor pocketbooks. I wonder if he would allege this when times are rough. Good luck out there! **Comment from Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs:** > This anonymous reviewer was unfriendly and unenthusiastic about working with me at the (free) initial meeting, our personalities didn't fit well together, and I had a backlog of clients who were much more friendly and enthusiastic, and didn't want me to jump through extra hoops. I value positive, fun, collaborative, and equal client relationships, and need to prioritize those clients who have a good attitude and are enthusiastic about working with me. Please see other reviews below to see an example of some great client relationships. I appreciate the critique, though, and hope I can learn from this how to more tactfully manage a situation where I need to decline to work with a client that isn't a good fit. **★★★★★ — Uhrich Design, June 2020** > My long time client hired Jonathan Espalin Landscape Design to create a eco-friendly, drought tolerant, beautiful landscape for her front yard. As I am an interior designer with a background in landscaping, the client asked that I give input on the project. It was a pleasure to work with Jonathan, he was creative, on time and on budget. The experience was a great one! **★★★★★ — M + D, July 2019** > Jonathan Espalin of Espalin Landscape Designs designed a beautiful outdoor retreat for us, which far exceeded our expectations, and turned our backyard into a beautiful oasis where we want to spend our time now. During demo, the contractor uncovered major tree roots that could have stalled our project; Jonathan quickly came up with a solution that avoided the roots while not compromising the design or usability of the space - we were very impressed! We also hired Jonathan to place the plants once delivered, which we highly recommend. He is a talented designer who also knows his plants. We love the combination he chose for our yard - he helped us achieve a lush woodland look, using easy-care, drought-tolerant plants. We highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — MICHAEL SHEEHY, March 2019** > We used Jonathan for 2 parts of our project. > > 1\) The redesign of our backyard. We knew we wanted to make some changes and had a few rough ideas of what we wanted (e.g., more plant area, some grass, and a paver patio). Jonathan looked at our yard, inspecting where there was shade and/or sun, and came up with an amazing design. We usually drag our feet a little bit on big decisions, but the design was so enticing and the timing was right, that we pushed forward. > > 2\) The planting of all vegetation and verification that the irrigation I installed was adequate. The plants were put in quickly and on time. The appearance of the yard has already improved dramatically and will be even better as the plants mature. Jonathan has been very helpful in explaining the steps we need to take to ensure the plants thrive through the hot Sacramento summer and he will come by periodically to make changes as needed. > > On top of the amazing design and installation of the plants, I valued Jonathan's responsiveness and clear communication. If I asked for a date or time, he provided one and was available at that date and time. When I asked when we would be ready to plant, he gave me a date and was ready on that date. For a large project where I had to juggle a separate contractor (to re-grade the yard, install the sod, and set the paver patio), my DIY parts of the project, and Jonathan's steps, that communication and responsiveness are invaluable. > > Definitely recommend Jonathan for anyone considering a landscaping project. **★★★★★ — Gianna + James W., Dec. 2018** > Jonathan has been wonderful to work with. When beginning our landscape project, we weren't clear on what we wanted but he was able to put together a beautiful plan that fit our space and lifestyle. He listened to our likes, dislikes, and components we desired for our yard. His knowledge is extensive and it is clear that he is passionate about his work. The plans that he drafted have been helpful to other contractors working on our property as well. Jonathan is easy to communicate with which is very valuable as well. **★★★★★ — Rebecca Foster, Dec. 2018** > I hired Jonathan to provide plans for a front and back yard re-do. He is on time for appointments and discusses our concerns and his ideas before drafting plans. We were thrilled with the plans we got. He obviously took all of our needs and concerns into consideration and was willing to incorporate some plants we wanted to add. Attention to creating a healthy environment is a key goal and Jonathan is very adept at this. **★★★★★ — Brad Mendenhall, Dec. 2018** > Jonathan has been great to work with. He was easy to communicate with, flexible in working with our calendar, and very helpful in cultivating our ideas. We found him particularly knowledgeable regarding eco-friendly plants, and would gladly recommend him to friends and family. **★★★★★ — S. Bustillos, Dec. 2018** > Jonathan was easy to work with and very flexible. We hired him to provide a design for our 2,500 square foot front yard. I sent him some of my “inspirational” photos and provided other details we wanted. He supplied a design we are extremely happy with and plan to work with him in the Spring of 2019 on another project. **★★★★★ — David Wittman, Dec. 2018** > Jonathan designed and installed the front-yard landscaping for our > newly constructed house. In the planning stage he showed us 3-D > renderings of what it would look like, and he did make it look exactly > like the plans. Furthermore, his price was very reasonable, about the > same as what the builder would have charged for something much more generic and skimpy. We were so pleased that we immediately hired him to do the back yard as well. **★★★★★ — Chris Coburn, Dec. 2018** > Jonathan has been a joy to work with. He really listened to my preferences and wishes and came up with a plan that I loved, then implemented it on time and on budget. ## Selected projects - [Now Garden Home Site 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/now-garden-home-site-3-pj-vj~7821232) - Location: Olympia, WA - Photos: 2 - [Now Garden Home Site 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/now-garden-home-site-2-pj-vj~7581251) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Cathy and Larry's Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cathy-and-larry-s-entry-pj-vj~825770) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Installed by Fernando Acosta Landscape - [Now Garden Demonstration Garden, Concord](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/now-garden-demonstration-garden-concord-pj-vj~3025122) - Location: Concord, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Location: Concord, CA, USA - [Wayne and Audra](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wayne-and-audra-pj-vj~265347) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Location: Orinda, CA, USA Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping A new back patio, driveway, entry way and front porch, and plantings completely transformed the relationship of the house to the outside. Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs - [Shoestring eco-paradise and plant experimentation station](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shoestring-eco-paradise-and-plant-experimentation-station-pj-vj~927132) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Where I test things before they end up in your garden, and and where lots of our food comes from... - [Outdoor Living And Hillside Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-living-and-hillside-restoration-pj-vj~2147782) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Location: Lafayette, CA, USA Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping - [Marcy and Paul's Hillside Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marcy-and-paul-s-hillside-garden-pj-vj~265350) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Location: Orinda, CA, USA, Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping A steep slope terraced with dry stack retaining walls to form paths, and gardens featuring colorful drought tolerant perennial plantings, California native woodland plants, and fruit trees. The garden blends into the wilder landscape upslope form the house. Jonathan Espalin Landscape Designs - [Wildlife Friendly Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wildlife-friendly-entry-pj-vj~4965496) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping with Fernando Acosta - [Vicki's Quilted Entry Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vicki-s-quilted-entry-garden-pj-vj~1721120) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping - [David and Jing - Pleasant Hill CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/david-and-jing-pleasant-hill-ca-pj-vj~266909) - Location: Pleasant Hill, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Location: Pleasant Hill, CA, US New entry path and stairs, and board formed concrete retaining walls, with mostly California native plantings to replace an old lawn and collapsing wooden wall. Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping in spring 2013 Winner of the 2014 First Place small Residential award from the East Bay Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association - [Entry, Lafayette](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entry-lafayette-pj-vj~1191650) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Location: Lafayette, CA, USA - [Ursula's Garden -Lafayette CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ursula-s-garden-lafayette-ca-pj-vj~265896) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Location: Lafayette, CA, USA Backyard retreat that enhances and preserves native oak woodland. Flagstone patio, gas fire pit, new composite decking. Installed by Calvin Craig Landscaping, Foreman: Fernando Acosta [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jonathan-espalin-landscape-designs-pfvwus-pf~470053301) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the edging on the steps! Is it metal?** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you tell me what it is and where to get it? Thank you! A: it's made from 6" by 20' sheets of cor-ten steel. The installer (Calvin Craig Landscaping) purchased if from Moose Metal in Concord, CA, but most steel suppliers in your local area should be able to source it. **Q: Name that creeper!** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of the creeping plants in this photo? Drought tolerant, deer? A: Rubus pentalobus, taiwan bramble. Fairly drought and deer tolerant, but not heat tolerant. Would need afternoon shade if planted anywhere that gets over 80f in the summer. **Q: Maple Trees** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful maple trees. Can they grow well in sunny southern CA? No shade. A: In SO Cal, or other dry places, a similar effect can be achieved with the much more climate appropriate Palo Verde. **Q: Pros and Cons of using Stained Concrete vs. non-stained** *(in Design Dilemma)* We have just ripped off a deck and ripped up a brick patio and are going to pour a large concrete patio to replace both. We are getting older and want the least maintenance possible and the deck had become a nightmare to maintain and the brick had constant weeds coming through. BUT...I still want a beautiful and relaxing backyard. I will be putting perennial beds all the way around the approximately 750 sq. ft. patio. I originally wanted stamped concrete but after seeing things like the photo below, I decided against it. I would still like to put color in the concrete, but my husband says that will cause more maintenance as he thinks it will have to be sealed every year. Is that true? Why would it need sealing more than regular concrete? Will it fade? Would love to hear everyone's experience and anything I should watch out for. We just want something easy to take care of! Thanks A: Integral color concrete will hold it's color longer than any of us will live, and does not need sealing, but is more expensive to install and only subtle colors are availible. Stained concrete outdoors does fade quickly and needs sealing. **Q: Love this! Can you please tell us the color of the concrete? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's Davis Color integral color 'Cobblestone' 2lbs \#860. It has a matte sealer (can't remember the brand) **Q: What are the steps made of?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks. A: they are 6x6 pressure-treated fir timbers, with steel pipes to stabilize them, backfilled with decomposed granite. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*