Sweet Smiling Landscapes

Business Details

7 Years

experience

Sustainable Landscape Design Services in Santa Barbara, CA

Sweet Smiling Landscapes creates landscapes and gardens that are as aesthetically intriguing as they are ecologically sound. Specializing in drought-tolerant landscapes, edible gardens, and California native plant design, we serve Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. Our approach integrates art, design, and horticulture to craft functional, sustainable outdoor spaces. With expertise in regenerative practices, we prioritize water-wise and fire-wise solutions tailored to client needs and property specifications. Our services include permaculture design, soil care recommendations, and organic pest management, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.

As a licensed landscape contractor and certified professional in multiple sustainability disciplines, we bring both creative vision and technical proficiency to every project. Our work transforms gardens into living art while enhancing local ecosystems, ensuring beauty and ecological harmony coexist. Clients benefit from personalized service grounded in decades of experience and a deep understanding of regional landscapes.

Services

Sustainable Landscape Design Drought-Tolerant Planting Edible Gardens Permaculture Design Fire-Wise Landscaping Soil Care Recommendations Irrigation Planning Container Gardens Organic Pest Management Regenerative Design

Details

Year established: 2019

Highlights and features

We integrate artistic vision with technical expertise in sustainable design.
Our team holds certifications in permaculture, water-wise practices, and green gardening.
Decades of experience teaching landscape design at Santa Barbara City College.
Active leadership roles in the Central Coast Green Building Council and AIA.
Holistic approach combining aesthetics, ecology, and client-specific needs.

Associations and certifications

LEED
EPA Water Wise
Permaculture Design Certification
Green Gardener Certification

Website

Update Listing

Services

Sustainable Landscape Design

We craft landscapes that balance artistic expression with ecological function. Our designs prioritize native plants, water efficiency, and habitat creation. Clients receive tailored plans that reduce environmental impact while enhancing property aesthetics and usability through regenerative practices.

Edible Gardens

Transform outdoor spaces into thriving food sources. We design vegetable beds, fruit-bearing plants, and herb gardens that integrate seamlessly with ornamental elements. Our approach ensures year-round harvests while maintaining visual appeal and ecological benefits.

Permaculture Design

Implement self-sustaining ecosystems using permaculture principles. We create landscapes that mimic natural patterns, improve soil health, and maximize resource efficiency. Services include site analysis, water harvesting strategies, and multi-functional plant selection for long-term resilience.

Fire-Wise Landscaping

Reduce fire risk through strategic plant placement and material selection. We design defensible spaces using fire-resistant native plants while maintaining aesthetic value. Our solutions protect properties in high-risk areas without compromising ecological integrity.

Drought-Tolerant Planting

Specialized designs featuring California-native plants adapted to arid conditions. We create low-maintenance, water-saving landscapes that thrive in regional climates. Services include plant selection, soil optimization, and irrigation planning to minimize resource use while maximizing biodiversity.

People

Natasha Elliott

Landscape Designer

LEED-certified designer with a BFA in sculpture. Combines art, horticulture, and sustainability expertise. Teaches landscape design and serves on the Central Coast Green Building Council board.

Questions

What areas do you serve?

We operate in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties, including Carpinteria, Montecito, Goleta, and surrounding communities.

What makes your designs sustainable?

We use native plants, water-efficient irrigation, and regenerative practices that improve soil health while reducing long-term maintenance needs.

Do you offer edible landscaping?

Yes, we integrate productive elements like vegetable beds, fruit trees, and herb gardens into aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.

Are you licensed for California projects?

We hold California Landscape Contractors License C27 #1064728 and specialize in regional climate-appropriate designs.

What certifications do you have?

Certifications include LEED, EPA Water Wise, Permaculture Design, and Green Gardener, with board roles in local sustainability organizations.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Suzanne R. McIlrath

Dec 02, 2021 Report

We hired Natasha with Sweet Smiling Landscapes to help us reimagine our backyard. The installation of our new space is just complete and we could not be more happy with the results. Natasha came up with a design that is not only visually interesting but also really practical. Natasaha was attentive in every aspect of the design process, from the drawing phase all the way through to the supervision she provided during the construction. I love the way she explained the science and logic behind all the decisions that were made. Not only do we have a beautiful space to entertain and relax, but I also

Taylor Ridge

Dec 06, 2020 Report

For so long our front yard was a weedy mess, however we were concerned about water use so I was not sure I wanted to take on a big landscaping project. After consulting with Natasha we realized we could have a beautiful garden without the water wastage. To top it off, working with Natasha was so fun too! She is both passionate and enthusiastic to share her knowledge. Every step of the way she explained to us the reasons for her decision and how they play a role in creating a sustainable garden. Our front yard is now full of low water herbs, produce as well as so many other beautiful plants. I love

Surf Happens

Jul 10, 2020 Report

We were tried of looking at a dead lawn in our front yard, but I was not sure what to do with the space. Natasha is very knowledgable about removing lawns in an environmentally responsible way. Beyond taking out the lawn she came up with a beautiful planting plan. She filled the space with drought tolerant plants and interesting edible plants. When I hang out with my sons while they play basketball in the drive way I love watching neighbors slow down and admire my garden. Add photos

Cindy Anderson

Jul 08, 2020 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Natasha was wonderful to work with. She designed new landscaping at our home and was present from beginning to end. Her knowledge of the plant world, eye for beauty, and love of ecology worked together to create beautiful gardens and potted trees and herbs at our home. I look forward to working with her again. I highly recommend her.

Alia Intably

May 21, 2020 Report

Last year we hired Sweet Smiling Landscapes to design our front yard. We had a dated lawn that we wanted to turn into a more beautiful and sustainable space. We were very happy with how Natasha listened to our wants and needs and developed a plan to meet both. Our front yard now has everything I want, is water efficient and we have bees!

Hayley Fedders

Jan 03, 2020 Report

My husband and I recently bought a condo with a small yard. Since there was not a lot of space I wanted every moment to count. With Natasha recommendations we were able to turn our little plot of earth into a beautiful garden. I would highly recommend Sweet Smiling Landscapes.

Kiki Kiki

Dec 12, 2019 Report

I feel so lucky that I found Natasha of Sweet Smiling Landscaping to design my garden for me. I used to import home furnishings from Indonesia. I fell in love with the gardens in Bali. I kept some of the stone statues, lamps, and other garden accessories for myself. Whenever I returned home, and faced my pine-tree-dominated garden, I felt flat and empty. I loved the tropics where everything felt alive. I wanted that Bali feel for myself. Natasha also has a love of the tropics and has traveled extensively to tropical places, so she understood exactly what I wanted. She explained to me that some