About The Designer

About the Designer:

    Hi! I'm Nancy Biehl. I have a longstanding passion for plants and garden design. I can help you design the garden you have always wanted! I enjoy creating functional, attractive and dynamic landscapes that are personalized and unique to your own style and needs.  I consult in  San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale,  Los Altos  and Santa Cruz areas. 
 

     I hold an Associates of Science degree in Landscape Horticulture with an emphasis in Landscape Design as well as a previous Bachelors degree in Design from UC Davis. I 've been a freelance landscape designer for several years in San Jose as well as Santa Cruz areas.  I've  worked as a nursery sales person at The Garden Company, and also as an outside Garden Coach for SummerWinds  Nursery , where I advised homeowners on their landscapes in one and a half hour sessions.  Now, I am only working as a freelance consultant.  
 

   I work with my clients to develop a visionary garden theme and make ideal plant selections specific to location and individual preferences.  My work centers on your needs and addresses all aspects of the property such as :  overalll design scheme,  use planning for different areas, addressing and solving problems,  pathways,  water elements,  focal points, as well as plant selections and expertise.  I have actively gardened for twenty years in deer frequented areas and researched  and field tested  many different plants.   I am also knowledgeable in drought tolerant plants and those that attract different kinds of wildlife such as hummingbirds, butterflies, birds, or bees.  
 

    I combine my plant knowledge skills, my background in art and design and an emphasis on communication with my clients to create your landscape design. 
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How it Works:

     

    I would meet with you at your home for a one and a half hour or two hour consultation, where I can thoroughly discuss with you your wants and needs for the property, and jump start and share ideas for the project.  This meeting concludes with some plant selections and a direction for the overall planning for use, including hardscape options and traffic flow (if needed) .  I usually give you some very loose and informal, rough sketches  for you on the spot.  This one and  hour session is $95.  Two hours may be required, which is $125. 

       Often this is enough information and direction  for you to move ahead with your project on your own,  with a landscape contractor,  your gardener, or crew to do the irrigation, preparation, and planting.    You would have a list of the plant suggestions ( both the common and Latin names),  and a rough plan where they would be planted.   However, if desired, I could  lay out the plants in your yard where they are to be planted after they are delivered .  

       If you  desire a more specific and detailed plan:
 

      I will give you an estimate for more detailed work and to spend more time on the project. The cost varies, depending on the size, complexity and formality desired for the drawing. For small project, a just a few hours as needed, My rate is $60 per hour after the initial sessions if needed. 
 

     Medium size projects may range from about $420 to $600. .  Both a complete front and back yard could be about $600 to $1200.   I provide you with a plan, drawing,  or diagram, as well as  a printed plant list which will include the common names of plants as well as their latin/scientific  names and the quantities you'll need to buy.  I could also email you the pictures of the plants in your project with the names of them under each picture.  
 

            

      
Nancy

      

   

             

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