An Empowering Guide from a Woman-Owned Landscape Design & Build Company!

If you’re dreaming of transforming your outdoor space into a thriving, beautiful, and low-maintenance garden, working with a full-service landscape design, build & maintenance company in the Bay Area can make all the difference. At Sustain with Me Landscapes, we specialize in creating gardens that are not only stunning but also sustainable, personalized, and pollinator-friendly. Our projects are designed to withstand the test of time and supported by our maintenance team.

Let’s look at some of the common questions we get from people looking to transform their garden here in the East Bay.

1. What are the benefits of hiring a landscape designer and landscape contractor team in the Bay Area?

Hiring a professional landscape designer in the Bay Area ensures that your garden is both functional and beautiful—crafted specifically for our unique microclimates. By choosing a licensed and insured landscape contractor, you gain peace of mind knowing your project is in expert hands. Our team carefully selects the right plants for the right places, helping your landscape thrive with minimal maintenance. Since our company is a full-service design, installation and maintenance firm, you can rest assured that the design you chose will be followed and your garden will be kept true to style. Your design isn’t just custom—it’s curated to your lifestyle, soil, and sun conditions. Plus, we follow strict environmental and safety regulations to protect your family and local ecosystem. With a focus on native plants and pollinator habitat, your garden becomes a space that gives back—supporting bees, butterflies, and beneficial wildlife for years to come.

2. What to expect working with a landscape contractor and designer?

When you work with our full-service landscape design and construction team, you can expect a seamless and inspiring experience from start to finish. Our process begins with an in-depth site analysis so your garden works with nature, not against it. You’ll receive beautifully rendered concept plans and sketches that reflect your vision and our ecological expertise. Throughout the project, communication and feedback are prioritized, ensuring you feel informed and empowered. Because our design and build teams collaborate closely, the transition from paper to planting is smooth and accurate. Best of all, you’ll meet a passionate, woman-led team who truly cares about curating a landscape that reflects your values, family, and style.

3. What is a full-service landscape company?

A full-service landscape company offers a comprehensive approach to garden design, installation, and ongoing care. That means we handle everything from your initial concept to ongoing pruning—and everything in between. Working with a single team helps ensure your garden stays true to the original design over time. We offer plant guarantees, detailed maintenance plans, and in-depth knowledge of what your specific plants need to thrive. Whether it’s composting, irrigation, or seasonal updates, our full-service model gives you a beautiful landscape and ongoing support to keep it flourishing.

4. What is ecological landscape design?

Ecological landscape design is a nature-based approach to landscaping that prioritizes sustainability, biodiversity, and local ecosystem health. Rather than fighting against your site’s natural features, we work with its soil, slope, and existing elements to build a resilient, low-impact garden. We use native and climate-appropriate plants, organic materials, and pollinator-friendly layouts to reduce maintenance and increase environmental benefits. Ecological landscape design also means sourcing local materials, minimizing waste, and paying fair wages to our crew—because sustainability is about people, too. The result? A landscape that’s beautiful, functional, and kind to the Earth.

5. Why plant native plants in California?

Planting native plants in California is one of the smartest choices you can make for your landscape. Native species are adapted to our drought-prone climate, making them naturally water-wise and low-maintenance. They also provide essential food and shelter for local pollinator specialists—like monarch butterflies and native bees—that can’t survive without them. In addition to reducing your water and maintenance costs, native plants help control erosion, support biodiversity, and deter deer. With the right design, your garden can be both eco-friendly and visually stunning.

6. What is included in landscape maintenance?

Proper landscape maintenance goes far beyond mowing & blowing. Our maintenance services are rooted in ecological principles and designed to nurture your garden through every season. We focus on soil health with composting, mulching, and natural fertilizing to build long-term resilience. Regular weed suppression, pruning, and seasonal care keep your garden looking its best without overgrowth or imbalance. We ensure shrubs stay full and lush, not leggy, and replace plants as needed to maintain your design’s integrity. For edible gardens, we provide veggie support, compost turning, and seasonal planting services so your harvest keeps on giving. Ask us about our fermentation application program to increase nutrient availability for your plants and promote healthy soil!

7. Is it easy to grow my own food in the Bay Area?

Yes—and with expert guidance, growing your own food in the Bay Area has never been easier. Our team, which includes a permaculture-certified lead designer, helps you choose the right crops and companion plants for your site. We create detailed garden plans, offer planting and harvesting support, and even set up irrigation systems you can manage from your phone. Whether you want to be hands-on or need us to handle the heavy lifting, we provide as much (or as little) help as you need to stay on track. You’ll also receive a custom garden guide with seasonal tips and variety suggestions, so nothing goes to waste. If you have extra fruit or vegetables from your garden, we can set you up with programs that give produce to families in need.

8. How can I get my kids more in touch with nature?

The founder of Sustain with Me Landscapes, Amelia, is a single mom here in Berkeley, California. With a background as a teacher, environmental educator and biologist, Amelia brings her deep passion for regenerative landscape design for resilience and self-sufficiency. She founded Sustain with Me Landscapes to help families reconnect with outdoor spaces, nourishing both people and planet. Bringing kids into the garden is one of the most powerful ways to help them connect with the natural world—and we can help make that happen. We design family-friendly landscapes that include sensory gardens, edible plants, and play spaces that encourage curiosity and hands-on learning. From raised beds for little hands to butterfly habitats and fruit trees you can grow together, we help families nurture young scientists, stewards, and gardeners. There’s never been a more important time to get your kids outside—and your garden can be their classroom, lab, and playground all in one.

Ready to Transform Your Bay Area Garden?

As a women-owned, Bay Area-based landscape design and build company, we’re proud to create beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible outdoor spaces for families like yours. Whether you want to install a native plant garden, grow your own food, or build a pollinator paradise, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s create something beautiful—together.