---
title: "Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/natalain-schwartz-landscape-design-build-pfvwus-pf~562213371
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562213371.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a0e3956702fe7402_6937-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Santa Cruz, California 95062, United States"
phone: "(831) 419-4828"
website: http://www.natalainlandscapedesign.com
rating: 5
review_count: 25
best_of_houzz_awards: 8
followers: 73
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build

Original Houzz profile: [Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/natalain-schwartz-landscape-design-build-pfvwus-pf~562213371)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Santa Cruz, CA
- **Serves:** Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monterey, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Capitola, Rio Del Mar, Ben Lomond, Aptos, Opal Cliffs, Felton, Seacliff, Day Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bonny Doon, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Mount Hermon, Brookdale, Pasatiempo, Lompico, Paradise Park, Zayante, Twin Lakes, Carmel
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (25 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2024), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 500 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- References available
- 20 years in business

Santa Cruz  licensed landscape  contractor,  designer, and  founder owner/operator over 20 years, I provide site consultation, as well as all aspects of  design and build service for the central coast community. Having first-hand  experience of what it takes for long-term success in the garden Please review my projects.

The creation of an our certified organic family farm and vineyard in 2001 provides me with the practical knowledge of combining small-scale agriculture into residential environments. Although edible landscaping is dear to my heart, I produce a wide variety of landscape designs for my clients, based on pragmatic conditions and aesthetic vision.

I use my wide range of experience and abilities as a landscape designer, facilitator, and builder to develop and smoothly guide a project from conception to reality.

Highlights:
Judge for the Santa Rosa CLCA Beautification Awards and the CLCA technical certifications.
Unique Co. Landscape Lighting Training Program
Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters Association
Docent for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Santa Cruz museum of natural history
R O P Landscape instructor-Designed and implemented pilot program for Aptos High School

### Services Provided

- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Pool Landscaping
- Custom Fire Pits
- Custom Water Features
- Gazebo Design & Construction
- Organic Gardens
- Shed Design & Construction
- Edible Gardens
- Landscape Construction
- Deck Building
- Landscape Lighting Installation
- Outdoor Lighting Installation
- Patio Construction
- Paver Installation
- Site Preparation
- landscape renovation
- new landscape design and installation
- vineyard and orchard design

### Areas Served

- Santa Cruz
- Watsonville
- Los Gatos
- Saratoga
- Monterey
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Capitola
- Rio Del Mar
- Ben Lomond
- Aptos
- Opal Cliffs
- Felton
- Seacliff
- Day Valley
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Bonny Doon
- Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley
- Mount Hermon
- Brookdale
- Pasatiempo
- Lompico
- Paradise Park
- Zayante
- Twin Lakes
- Carmel

### Typical Job Cost

$2,500 - 200,000.

Prices range from scope of work, I provide a proposal to my clients based on  information and requests from my clients from a  scheduled site visit.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build |
| Address | Santa Cruz, California 95062, United States |
| Phone | (831) 419-4828 |
| Website | http://www.natalainlandscapedesign.com |
| License Number | C-27 586725 |
| Followers on Houzz | 73 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/natalain-schwartz-landscape-design-build-pfvwus-pf~562213371)
- **Website:** http://www.natalainlandscapedesign.com
- **Phone:** (831) 419-4828

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- First Place CLCA 2007 Central Coast Chapter Beautification Award for Landscape Lighting Design. Jentes -Stern Residence
- First Place CLCA 2005 Central Coast Chapter Beautification Awards for Landscape Renovations. Irving Residence
- First Place 2003 Seacliff Neighborhood Landscaping Award

- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2024), 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 — 25 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Lindsay Brown, June 2023**

> We had such a great time working with Natalain! She was so creative, personable, attentive, and knowledgeable! She made our vision and even better reality! We are very happy with our experience!

**Comment from Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build:**

> Lindsay, it was such a pleasure to work with you and your family and although we started a couple years ahead of time with a design and implemented it throughout this last year it was a joy to see your beautiful daughters grow and enjoy the garden when it was complete . Thank you very much for your kind review and a joy to be able to create your vision.

**★★★★★ — Bret Almazan-Cezar, Dec. 2020**

> Our experience with Natalain was superior bar none. She listened to our needs and brought our dreams to fruition. Then when we changed our thoughts and Natalain pivoted and reinvented the dream. This review is 20 years too late, but now looking back, we can say we could have given it 6 stars. Twenty years later, the landscaping held up nicely, and upon selling our home, it was obvious from the comments of potential buyers (and the ultimate buyer), that the backyard was the tipping point to us get top dollar for our home. Comments included, "I dream of celebrating with our friends in the back yard." and "We see our family growing and thriving in the backyard" drove us back to asking, "Natalain, can you do our home in El Dorado Hills, or at least recommend someone like you?" (Sorry for the winterized pics, it really brightens up nicely in the spring ;))

**Comment from Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build:**

> Dear Brett  thank you for your kind words although it was many years ago I remember like yesterday working on your project. I’m so happy to have brought joy to your family and value to your home.  With the children  now older  I hope that you enjoy your new home and your new community. Thanks again for taking the time to write these kind words.
> Warmly  natalain

**★★★★★ — Teresa Draper, Dec. 2020**

> Natalain is a dream to work with.  This is my second project with her.  She listens, is responsive, and is easy to work with.  Her knowledge of every aspect of landscape design and installation is remarkable.  I, without reservation, highly recommend her.

**★★★★★ — Peggy Waters, Oct. 2019**

> Congratulations to you if you are considering working with Natalain!  We found her to be knowledgeable, professional, and accessible. Can't thank her enough for a wonderful job! She turned a dysfunctional yard into a  'parklike'  setting!

**Comment from Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build:**

> Peggy I’m the lucky one it was so nice working with you and your husband the yard became a blend of your vision There was so much to work with and I had so much fun.
> Now you can enjoy working in your garden without being overwhelmed and hopefully You Can now slow down read a book in one of the many secret sitting areas that we created.
> Thank you for the opportunity Natalain

**★★★★★ — Lesa Stock, April 2019**

> Fabulous, creative, unique, on time, and on budget. Natalain is wonderful to work with! Very professional, her knowledge about plants design what will work and what doesn’t was priceless.
> I have a small long yard at my beach cottage. Natalain was so creative with her ideas and my problematic yard she consulted with me and turned this yard  into a beautiful, fun, beach cottage garden. I highly recommend Natalain for small and large landscapes. I’ll be using her again. Thank you

**Comment from Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build:**

> Lesa You are too kind , working With you on your project delightful was delightful. You were able to articulate your vision so well which gave me a Clear direction..
> I appreciate your trust And giving me the freedom To create that playful design you Hope to see.

**★★★★★ — Li Ma, Jan. 2019**

> we are so glad that we met Natalain. she is very experienced and detailed about her design and build. She tried all her efforts to keep the project moving on track. we are very satisfied with her work.

**★★★★★ — Betsy Maushardt, July 2018**

> I had the pleasure of working with Natalain for many months as we planned and installed our new back yard. Natalain was very thoughtful and understood that we wanted the outside to reflect the tranquility of the inside. I feel that Natalain was able to accomplish this goal with great clarity. She was able to use some of the plants I already had and helped me let go of the ones that no longer worked. Natalain helped us create an outdoor space that is beautiful, tranquil and fun for our friends and family. The lighting she installed puts the icing on the cake and makes us feel that we live on an estate.

**★★★★★ — Teresa Draper, June 2018**

> We enjoyed working with Natalain Schwartz on our total front yard re-landscape.  She is very knowledgeable in all areas of landscape design and implementation.  She spent ample time on site and took into account the sun exposure, soil, and grade of our property.  We asked for a low maintenance, drought resistant plan and that is what we got.  She chose plants that would thrive in our yard, and they have, from the beginning.  She is an excellent communicator and was very responsive to our calls and emails.  She worked with us to design just what we wanted and we love it.  We appreciate her thoroughness and attention to detail.
> We highly recommend Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build.

**Comment from Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build:**

> Teresa thank you so much for your kind words . The hillside was a real challenge and a bit of a mystery Designing that extreme slow in the front yard but the walls have made such a difference in the  perspective And usable spaceof the hillside .The railing will will add a nice  touch .
> I’ll be stopping by to keep An eye On how things are growing And can’t wait to see the late summer  color on those Trees.
> It was a true pleasure working with you Natalain

**★★★★★ — Val Walters, June 2018**

> We couldn't have been happier with the our landscape project designed and built by Natalain Schwartz.  She transformed the living space in our yard and was knowledgeable and creative with her ideas. We really appreciate how well she communicated with us throughout the process and that she designed the yard with our wants and needs in mind.

**Comment from Natalain Schwartz Landscape Design Build:**

> Val and Stu,
>  It was a pleasure working for you and so much fun transforming your  outdoor living space . Now you will be able to enjoy many  family dinners, parties and events throughout the years  in the comfort of your own private" green room.".
> Cant wait to see how your outdoor dining  furniture looks.
> Best Natalain

**★★★★★ — Andrew Leahy, Sept. 2017**

> Natalain is able to understand your vision in words, example photos, and really understand the style, look, and function you want from your outdoor spaces. We valued her ability to really “get us” but then take into account the realities to translate into specifics: the amount of gardening/maintenance we wanted to do, play space and evolving needs as the family ages, and crucially what our actual site is like and could accommodate (climate, soil, grade). Natalian’s experience in the Santa Cruz area, actually making landscapes come together and function with our type of land (ancient solidified sand dune) was also key in our hiring her. She really understands the land in this area and working on the style of site you have.
>
> It goes without saying that all projects change and evolve from concept, to planning drafts, to what actually happens when earth begins to move and plantings are made. Again, Natalain works such that as the project drifts from clouds and vision to reality, she is able keep things close to that plan or better. She communicates with you as things proceed so you can take stock of how things are shaping, what’s happening, and what new decisions and direction might be needed. Absolutely fabulous!
>
> We are thrilled with the transformation of the yard and what has come to be. It’s revolutionized our outdoor space. We now have a front and side yard to enjoy, that our children can play in, as opposed to a slightly unmanageable hillside and sandy dirt lot (their prior states). The house is marginally cooler in the summer, there is less dust and dirt coming into our home, and children are tired and ready for bed at the end of the day. All that and a really good mid-century modern look to match the little ranch house! You really cannot ask for better.
>
> It goes without saying, we will be using Natalain again when we do further landscape work to our back hillside.

**★★★★★ — Ryan Young, Sept. 2017**

> What a difference a new front yard makes!  We worked with Natalain from design through installation.  She was polite and professional through the entire project.  She brought her design and landscaping expertise and qualified contractors to complete the job.  She was collaborative during the design process and listened to what Lia and I were looking for in a finished product.  She was onsite as needed through the installation to ensure it was done per design to produce a high quality project.  I highly recommend Natalain for anyone looking to do a residential landscape project in Santa Cruz County.

**★★★★★ — Scott Brazier, Sept. 2017**

> Natalain is wonderful! We had a design in our heads of what to do with our ugly sloped lawn of weeds. Natalain took our rough idea and then designed and oversaw installation of our dream yard. She was very pleasant to work with and her team of installers were polite, efficient, and clean. She even threw in a few things we had not even knew we wanted. Will definitely call her for our backyard reno.

## Selected projects

- [Synthetic Lawn Replacement & Contemporary Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/synthetic-lawn-replacement-and-contemporary-landscape-pj-vj~2205544)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Soquel Landscape, Pathways and Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soquel-landscape-pathways-and-patio-pj-vj~2635328)
  - Location: Soquel, CA
  - Photos: 14
- [Redesign of Retaining Walls, Stairs, Walkways, Lighting, Irrigation & Planting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redesign-of-retaining-walls-stairs-walkways-lighting-irrigation-and-planting-pj-vj~6159658)
  - Location: Aptos, CA
  - Photos: 5
- [Benson](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/benson-pj-vj~3140043)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: The design on Benson way was based on Reusing existing plants and highlighting focal points that the garden already offeredBut had been hidden by years of accumulation. After the new home remodel The owner wanted a different landscape focus To fit with the new style . I was able to use many of her beautiful existing plants she had . The design focus was toCreate a pathway pattern completely around the property. Because the flag lot being very dark I used the existing palm trees as a great way to…
- [Ola Grande](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ola-grande-pj-vj~455968)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Aptos Hills, Contemporary/rustic style home. 18 acres, landscape design & installation.
- [Leahy Contemporary Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leahy-contemporary-landscaping-pj-vj~2691566)
  - Location: Scotts Valley, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Waterfeatures, Fountains, Waterstorage Raingardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waterfeatures-fountains-waterstorage-raingardens-pj-vj~1673426)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 11
- [Earth and Sky](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/earth-and-sky-pj-vj~514209)
  - Location: San Jose, CA
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: Almeden, Asian contemporary design & installation, concrete, water feature, patio, plants, irrigation, & lighting.
- [Brazier Desert Scape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brazier-desert-scape-pj-vj~2691549)
  - Location: Watsonville, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [Hardscape Pathways Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardscape-pathways-water-features-pj-vj~1673411)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 10
- [Capitola Pavers and Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitola-pavers-and-landscape-pj-vj~515195)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: New construction on hardscape and plantings, design and installation enjoyed by the whole family including Tom, the dog. Raised plant beds, fire pit, pergola arbor, & flagstone.
- [Hardscape Decks, Pathways, & Gates](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardscape-decks-pathways-and-gates-pj-vj~1673459)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 10
- [Corralitos Deja View Farm & Vineyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corralitos-deja-view-farm-and-vineyard-pj-vj~1676561)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: Organic farm & vineyard, mostly native planting. Catch basin, grass waterways, new greenhouse, & vineyard. Hedge row, owl boxes, bee & bat habitat.
- [Pleasure Point Beachhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasure-point-beachhouse-pj-vj~514228)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Contemporary style, new construction, landscape/hardscape design.
- [Mediterranean Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-beach-house-pj-vj~1653212)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Santa Cruz Mediterranean Beach House, landscape & installation.
- [Modern Style Family Fun](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-style-family-fun-pj-vj~1655378)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: This design was based on contemporary style and water reduction. We now made this a very usable area for their two young sons to play on the synthetic turf, enjoy gardening, playing in the rock, and for the whole family to again, reduce their water bill by at least 70%.
- [Mediterranean Landscape Plantings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-landscape-plantings-pj-vj~1656349)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: 30,000 sq. ft lawn replacement with a water reduction of about 90% after the second year.
- [Play Structures](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/play-structures-pj-vj~481620)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Hillside Plantings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-plantings-pj-vj~1673408)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 13
- [Xeriscaping and Misc.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/xeriscaping-and-misc-pj-vj~1673386)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 9

[See all 27 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/natalain-schwartz-landscape-design-build-pfvwus-pf~562213371)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*
