Over 25 years of practical experience with field installation of custom landscape designs. Certified as a 'California Native Plant Landscaper' by the joint program of the California Native Plant Society, LADWP, Theodore Payne Foundation, and the US Green Building Council Los Angeles. Portfolio of environmentally sensitive projects includes award-winning high-end residential and celebrated commercial landscape projects.
For your safety, our entire design and construction team is fully vaccinated and virtual consultations are available for all design services. For more information, contact us!
For your safety, our entire design and construction team is fully vaccinated and virtual consultations are available for all design services. For more information, contact us!
Services
The Design By Nature Team understands that projects vary in scope, and we can design and construct the residential landscape elements you've only imagined; customized to your budget, space and goals. Perhaps you would like to create a total plan that can be built to your every specification, or you'd like to enhance a small area, such as a thoughtful courtyard or an entryway.
A modern meadow that pays tribute to the gorgeous native grasses that once covered most of ancient southern Californian lands. Careful placement of a variety of materials create special spaces, sometimes to accommodate cars, and other times to welcome people. Edible herbs are easy to reach along this vertical garden, succulent plants offer low maintenance structure to an otherwise wild plantscape.
Seasons spent in Italy, France and Spain taught a valuable lesson: 'Enjoy the simple pleasures while you can!' This small sampling gestures at some of the many pleasures your garden can provide. Silvers, purples, tropical plants, modern plants; the arrangement of size, shape and form are a playful twist of proportions and scale.
Using cues derived from the precedents of historical gardens, and blending those techniques with readily available materials, California traditional gardens are a fun blend of formal and folly. A fresh coat of paint made this house and path a beautiful backdrop to the new landscaping. This cottage garden has a wide variety of flowering perennials; providing a constant supply of pleasant scents and colors throughout the year.
A 'Xeriscape' garden can also look bright, lush and green; without wasting precious water. This effect is achieved by strategic implementation of natural ecosystems techniques. If you like cacti and succulents, they can enhance a drought tolerant garden; providing new opportunities for depth and texture, however these types of plants are not the only option if you are dreaming of a water conserving garden.
Reviews (3)
Laura Sweet
Feb 01, 2021
Report
I hired Merrill & her team to do a complete remodel on my backyard to drought resistant. I am 2/3 of the way through the project. It was split between hardscape & landscape due to the heat in S. Ca summer.
Merrill worked with me listening to what I wanted and adding her professional input with her experience.
I wanted a sanctuary and that's exactly what I got. I couldn't be happier. Excited for the plants to be placed in the next month or so.
Merrill worked with me listening to what I wanted and adding her professional input with her experience.
I wanted a sanctuary and that's exactly what I got. I couldn't be happier. Excited for the plants to be placed in the next month or so.
David Haskell
Jan 13, 2020
Report
My wife and I hired Design by Nature to completely redo our relatively small garden area in the entryway to our Townhouse in Pacific Palisades. The job involved full design and build services including soil testing and analysis, new plant material, drip irrigation, plumbing, hardscapes, lighting, a trellis, seating area and planted pots.
Our experience with Merrill, the principal behind Design By Nature Inc., and the Design by Nature team was excellent. Merrill and her team were professional, knowledgeable, detail oriented and thorough throughout the timeline of the project.
Our ideas were considered
Our experience with Merrill, the principal behind Design By Nature Inc., and the Design by Nature team was excellent. Merrill and her team were professional, knowledgeable, detail oriented and thorough throughout the timeline of the project.
Our ideas were considered
Val Holwerda
Nov 17, 2018
Report
Merrill just left from our semiannual “spruce up.” Yes! Merrill and Design By Nature! Five years ago she put in a complete new landscape for us that we wanted and we loved it. It was sustainable and contemporary and easy to care for. It looks even more wonderful now, five years later and even even better after our “spruce up.” I decided to write several reviews for Team Merrill in appreciation. Thank you.
