A.	In my landscaping career, I have designed and worked in large gardens. However, the majority of my Bay Area gardens are relatively small in size.

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I tell my clients that no space is too small for a garden. In many respects, small spaces are perfect because they can be landscaped in a short period of time and are great for creating a unique character. You can be bold with small spaces. I have designed and maintained several small gardens around townhomes, and have given advice to clients for their patio and balcony gardens. Some clients choose to develop only a section of their yard, such as an entertainment area or a rock garden, they want to enhance their home's curb appeal, add a focal point, or hide a fence. Size really does not matter in landscaping. The smallest space can be turned into a lush, full, and elegant garden with a smart choice of plants and accessories. Layered landscape makes a small space look bigger.

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Our first meeting is scheduled in the client's garden and is approximately an hour long. The objective of this meeting is to discuss expectations, the process, and provide initial ideas and suggestions. I familiarize myself with the space and I watch and listen. I want to get sense for the client's style and requirements. We step into their garden and I ask my clients to tell me about it, and we chat about their lifestyle and how they hope to use the outdoor space. Some clients show me pictures of gardens or elements that they like. We talk about the different options that are available to them, depending on the available budget. From this conversation, I develop specific recommendations and a project schedule that are unique to each garden situation. Some gardens require a formal design that consists of a master plan and a planting design. Other gardens can be brought to life with my professional gardening touch; they don't always have to be completely redone, because sometimes all that is needed is a little bit of pruning, a touch up, bright colors, or an accessory. Sometimes, the clients want to do the work themselves, and I help them as an advisor. My contribution is in combining the client's wishes with my creativity, aesthetic sense and abundance of ideas. I bring together all of the elements that make beautiful landscapes last, and that my clients enjoy. I aspire to create gardens that are environmentally sensitive, aesthetically pleasing and practical, and that offer healing qualities.

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There is a lot of diversity in the Bay Area, and I am open to designing any garden theme that the client desires, as long as it does not violate the style and nature of the surrounding environment, and we work with plants that are suited for Bay Area's climate. The choice of plants and/or landscape elements is sometimes regulated by the City or County. Most clients ask for themes that help raise the energy level of their outdoor living space. Luckily for us in the Bay Area, many colorful plants bloom year-round, and we also have a choice of interesting foliage and accessories. And always consider the long-term effects of landscape design choices. For example, butterfly gardens often come with caterpillars ;-)

A.	Furniture and any other accessories complete the design. The choice always depends on the theme and the size of the garden and the style of the home. Stone, wood, iron, metal, glass, teak, straw, vinyl … we select material and style that complement each other.

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Water always adds another dimension to a landscape, and it offers many benefits to a small space. It can become the focal point, provides a sound, attracts birds and wildlife, and it has a calming effect. And don't forget, all water features come with additional maintenance, which needs to be taken into consideration as well.

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Think about changing the look and feel of your garden with each season. Simply by integrating a few colorful annuals or seasonal plants in your landscape, you keep your garden interesting and in style throughout the year. This high-touch gardening service is especially popular around Easter/Passover, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Christmas/winter holidays.

A.	Bring your children out into the garden. The garden teaches them sensitivity and respect for nature, and they learn valuable lessons for life, such as patience, cause and effect, caring, and aesthetics.