Specializing in Water-Efficient Landscapes
Each hand-drawn design…
• Looks good and is unique to each customer & their needs
• Helps you limit (or eliminate) the lawn footprint for water savings
• Uses SCVWD Rebate*-compliant drought-tolerant plants and low-delivery irrigation
• Creates a natural garden area for people…and hummingbirds and butterflies
• Is clear for either homeowner or contractor use and easily reference
• Comes as an "industry-standard" blueprint ready-for-bid by contractors and installers
*Current Rebates from Valley Water often provide enough to pay for your design!
We get you started…
• When you know what you'd like but need it in a form easily used by installers and contractors—I work with you to produce a design that's workable and pleasing—from small projects (1000-1200 sq. ft.) to larger ones (3000-5000 sq. ft+)—and make sure everyone is working is “on the same page”
• When you'd like to "do-it-yourself" but can't…or you just can’t see “losing your lawn”—I can design from a palate of plants we custom curated together ("artistry") including your “wish list” for the yard ("experience")— see Process above
• When taking advantage of local Water District rebates in your lawn conversion is too complicated—I can apply for rebate process on your behalf so that it is approved (many times paying for the design itself—see Rebate above).
• When your HOA or the city has requirements for landscaping your front yard—I can make sure the design is in compliance with all requirements
• When you need trusted referrals for installers and plant suppliers. I have good resources/contacts to shepherd your project to satisfying completion.
"Don was very easy to work with, professional and responsive. Our communication was smooth and he always responded promptly."
"After languishing on plans for my back yard with a few different landscape designers, I was lucky enough to get referred to Don. What a difference. In no time he had an amazing design for my yard…"
Residential design: previously a lawn, converted for water district rebate (less than a year and a half after planting—and yes, they are all drought-tolerant), Saratoga (click here for more).
"In three visits, Don had my plans completed with drought tolerant plants, concrete and easy maintenance for my family. I am more than impressed with the ease of working with Don, his dependability, and his commitment to my project."
Whatever you're after—more enjoyable outdoor entertainment spaces; more water savings; easier maintenance; more diverse vegetation; more floral color; more harmony with wildlife and watershed—I can help realize that through proper design, bringing the degree of professionalism which will compliment your abilities as you enhance the curb appeal, enjoyability, and value of your house both on the block and in the community.
Don Schneider, owner
Designs by Don
Residential design: converted back yard in Sunnyvale adds expansive flagstone paved area with drought-tolerant plantings curving past the hot tub to an intimate sitting area.
