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Specializing in Water-Efficient Landscapes

Each hand-drawn design…
Helps you limit (or lose) the lawn footprint for water savings
• Creates a natural garden area for hummingbirds and butterflies

• Looks good and is unique to each customer & their needs
• Is clear for either homeowner or contractor use and reference
• Comes as an "
industry-standard" blueprint ready-for-bid by contractors and installers
• Uses SCVWD Rebate*-compliant drought-tolerant plants and low-delivery irrigation 

*Current Rebates from Valley Water often provide enough to pay for your design!

We get you started…

• When you know “you’d like something” but aren’t sure what's possible (or do know but need it formalized)? I work with you to clarify your design needs and what’s workable, from small projects (1000-1200 sq. ft.) to larger ones (3000-5000 sq. ft+) so everyone working is “on the same page”…

• When the area is too big…or for a "do-it-yourself" project you want to do right…or you just can’t see “losing your lawn”? I can come up with a good design that will include what you'd like from a palate of plants custom curated with you ("artistry") and including your “wish list” in the yard ("experience")—click here for step-by-step walk-through

When you’d like to take advantage of local Water District rebates in your lawn conversion? I can navigate the application and rebate process for you so your rebate is approved (many times paying for the design itself—see Rebate above).

When the are HOA or city regulations 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 resources and contacts to help take your project to a satisfying completion.

"Don was very easy to work with, professional and responsive. Our communication was smooth and he always responded promptly."
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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).

     "The end result is a garden that not only enhances the beauty of our home but also provides a tranquil and inviting outdoor space."

Residential design: home in Milpitas with converted back yard (smaller lawn) and drought-tolerant plants with pathway leading to private seating area. (Installed November 2023)

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     "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, be it 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

(August 2023): 

expansive back yard with pool, BBQ and recreation areas. Note off-pool area (both lawn areas low water usage fescue/bluegrass blend) and decomposed granite fire pit. Pathway on left leads to vegetable garden on side behind shrub screen as well as to back of fire pit area; 'wandering path' on right winds lazily behind shrubs, down past pool area and loops around to pool's back stairs in back area. (Click here for full design.)

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Finished installation (Spring 2024). All shrubs are drought-tolerant on drip irrigation system; lawn is low-water usage bent-bluegrass hybrid (30% less water) with low volume delivery pop-up rotor-stream heads. Putting green is to the left of walkway (courtesy of Heavenly Greens); background, covered patio area with motorized louvered pergola  (courtesy of Elite Exteriors) pictured below. Easily qualified for full rebate from Valley Water. (Click here for more.)

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Big or small, we do it all!

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