We’re a small team who are obsessed with helping you get the most out of your garden
We approach garden design from a scientific and holistic angle so that the final design fully works with and elevates your entire outdoor space into your dream garden.
“Our clients are often surprised at how much more lively and beautiful their gardens are by using plants that flourish in our climate”
Landscape Designer Laura Osteen grew up appreciating the outdoor landscape at an early age, spending many hours in the garden, digging in the dirt, planting flowers, and hiking the surrounding hills. Growing up in the SF East Bay, she understands the unique conditions here – like the wet winters, dry summers and the amazingly diverse plant palette that thrives in our Mediterranean climate.
Laura uses her unique background in environmental science to design gardens that work well in the local landscape while emphasizing sustainable and water/energy efficient practices. Her clients are often surprised at how much more lively and beautiful their gardens are by using plants that flourish in our climate. Laura enjoys working side by side with her clients to make each design fit her client's personal style and their unique way of connecting with nature.
When not designing, Laura enjoys hiking, biking and exploring with her husband and three kids (8, 11, & 13 years old) in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“Laura's expertise of California landscape and drought tolerant plants is exactly what we needed”
“Laura went above and beyond with her thoughtfulness”
“Secret garden landscape designed and organized the install of our front yard. Laura's expertise of California landscape and drought tolerant plants is exactly what we needed (since i have zero experience)! Within 6 months, the plants have thrived and have totally transformed our yard. I look forward to working with Laura again on our backyard!!” – Amanda S, Moraga, CA
“So, so thankful to have found Laura! We cannot recommend her highly enough. She created a custom design for our home. In passing we told her that we had just moved here from Italy and happened to mention that we didn't like fruit trees. She connected the dots and surprised us by putting in Fruitless Olive trees in the plans for our yard to remind us of our time there. One of many places where she went above and beyond with her thoughtfulness.” – Ashley G, Danville, CA
What we believe in at Secret Garden Landscapes
We believe that you deserve to have a garden that feels like a sanctuary, not a stress. Somewhere you’re proud to show off.
We believe in connecting with and working with nature by thinking about water and energy efficiency in our designs.
We believe in sustainability and we design gardens, use space and recommend plants that will work with your specific garden environment and climate.
We believe in being stewards of the environment. We think that by creating beautiful, relaxing and fun outdoor spaces for your family, you will encourage your kids to love nature.
We believe in functionality over frivolity and we will always suggest practical advice to help you get the most out of your outdoor space without compromising on design.
“I highly recommend Laura”
“Laura did a great job designing our garden to stay within our budget, and she connected us with an awesome landscape contractor to complete the job as well. She provided us with a lot of great mock-ups of how the landscaping would look in different seasons and provided information about how to care for the plants after installation. We will definitely use her for future projects! I highly recommend her.” – Lisa W, Orinda, CA
“I couldn’t be happier”
“Laura created a custom design for my backyard recently and I couldn't be happier. Her price fell within range of other designers. She came up with multiple concepts after interviewing me about what I envisioned for my yard. Her turnaround time was quick and she had no problems editing based on feedback I provided. Her ideas were creative and the final product she provided was clear and easy to follow.” – M.E., Hercules, CA