Business Details
Eco-Friendly Landscaping Services in Oakland
Founded on the principle of restoring ecological systems, Mariposa Gardening & Design Cooperative crafts outdoor spaces that connect homeowners with nature. As a women-led worker cooperative, we prioritize habitat gardens that attract pollinators, use ethically sourced materials, and foster a diverse, inclusive work environment. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in creating ecologically sound landscapes that merge artistry with environmental stewardship. From initial design to installation and ongoing garden care, we approach each project with a holistic commitment to sustainability.Our expertise in drought-tolerant gardening and innovative features like Seed Fountains reflects our dedication to both beauty and ecological function. The firm's recognition in Pacific Horticulture and Sunset Magazine underscores our leadership in sustainable landscape practices, while client testimonials highlight the transformative joy our gardens bring to urban living spaces.
Services
Habitat Gardens
Stonework
Seed Fountains
Landscape Design
Garden Maintenance
Highlights and features
- We create pollinator-friendly habitat gardens to support biodiversity
- Our worker-owned cooperative model ensures fair labor practices
- Specialized expertise in drought-tolerant California landscaping
- We use ethically sourced materials with minimal environmental impact
- Recognized by Sunset Magazine and Pacific Horticulture for innovation
What people say
Connects me to nature
Thriving pollinator habitat
Exceptional craftsmanship
Transformative garden experience
Eco-conscious approach
Services
Habitat Gardens
Our habitat gardens blend beauty with ecological function by incorporating plant combinations that support pollinators, birds, and butterflies. Each design creates interconnected microhabitats using drought-tolerant native plants with year-round bloom cycles. These gardens transform conventional landscapes into thriving ecosystems that restore vital urban biodiversity.
Stonework
Handcrafted dry-stacked stonework creates enduring garden structures without mortar. Our stone artisans build interlocking designs for pathways, walls, and focal pieces that enhance ecological gardens. Each creation combines Sierra stone with California craftsmanship to produce durable, aesthetically timeless landscape elements that harmonize with natural surroundings.
Seed Fountains
Innovative dry-stacked stone fountains attract pollinators with gentle water flow. Inspired by the Golden Ratio's natural patterns, these functional sculptures provide water access for birds and insects. The handcrafted designs integrate seamlessly into habitat gardens, combining ecological purpose with artistic expression through carefully selected stone formations.
Landscape Design
Holistic design approach that integrates ecological principles with aesthetic vision. We create site-specific plans that balance hardscaping with native plantings to maximize biodiversity. Our process involves ecosystem analysis and habitat mapping to develop gardens that connect urban spaces with regional natural landscapes through sustainable design elements.
Garden Maintenance
Ongoing care that preserves ecological garden integrity while supporting biodiversity. Our maintenance includes seasonal pruning, pollinator habitat upkeep, and sustainable water management. Certified garden specialists ensure that planted ecosystems thrive through organic practices that maintain the delicate balance between cultivated spaces and wild ecological functions.
People
Andrea Hurd
Founder and General Manager
Andrea Hurd established Mariposa Gardening & Design Cooperative to provide equitable opportunities for women in landscape design while promoting ecological stewardship. With extensive experience in sustainable horticulture, she has led the cooperative's growth and environmental initiatives since its inception.
Gina Souhal
Lead Designer
As lead designer since 2018, Gina Souhal develops creative landscape solutions that blend ecological function with aesthetic beauty. Her designs prioritize habitat creation and water conservation while crafting immersive natural experiences for homeowners seeking deeper connections with nature.
Lauren Bennett
Project Manager
Lauren Bennett oversees project installations with meticulous attention to ecological integrity. Bringing six years of construction expertise to Mariposa, she ensures sustainable building practices and quality craftsmanship in transforming design concepts into thriving landscape realities.
Kari Ballesteros
Garden Care Manager
Kari Ballesteros leads garden maintenance operations with specialized knowledge of California's native plants. Her expertise in sustainable horticulture ensures installed landscapes continue flourishing while maintaining their ecological functions and aesthetic appeal.
Finn Wick
Installation Specialist
Finn Wick contributes to Mariposa's installation team with hands-on experience in ecological construction techniques. Their work implementing sustainable landscape elements reflects the cooperative's commitment to both environmental stewardship and inclusive employment practices within the green industries.
Questions
What sets Mariposa apart from other landscaping companies?
As a women-led worker cooperative, we uniquely combine ecological expertise with ethical business practices, specializing in habitat gardens that support biodiversity through pollinator-friendly designs.
Do you work with clients outside the Bay Area?
While based in Oakland, we've completed projects in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Saratoga. We can discuss serving other Northern California locations with appropriate project scope and timing.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your designs?
We use dry-stacked stonework without mortar, drought-tolerant native plants, and ethically sourced materials to create gardens that conserve resources while supporting local ecosystems.
What's the process for starting a new landscape project?
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your goals, followed by site analysis, concept design, and implementation planning to create tailored ecological solutions.
Can you help convert traditional lawns to meadows?
Yes, we specialize in transforming conventional lawns into vibrant meadows using diverse native grasses and perennials that require less water while supporting pollinators.
Are your Stone Fountains suitable for small gardens?
Our Seed Fountains come in various sizes adaptable to different garden spaces, all designed to provide pollinator water access while serving as artistic landscape focal points.
