Business Details
Sustainable Native Landscaping Experts in San Jose
California Nativescapes specializes in sustainable native landscaping solutions tailored to California's unique ecosystems. Founded on principles of environmental stewardship, we combine ecological expertise with creative design to transform outdoor spaces into thriving, water-efficient landscapes. Our team, led by owner Rebecca Schoenenberger, brings decades of experience in environmental studies and hands-on landscaping to every project. We prioritize the use of recycled materials and native plant species to create self-sustaining gardens that reduce water consumption while enhancing biodiversity. Our comprehensive services include personalized design consultations, eco-conscious installation practices, and ongoing maintenance programs that align with natural cycles.We serve residential clients across the San Francisco Bay Area, offering tailored solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with ecological responsibility. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through specialized services like greywater systems and pond construction, which integrate seamlessly into native landscapes. With a focus on client collaboration, we ensure each project meets individual needs while maintaining environmental integrity. Our work has earned recognition from satisfied clients who praise our expertise in transforming traditional lawns into low-water, high-impact gardens. We stand behind our craftsmanship with a one-year warranty on all installations, reflecting our confidence in the quality and longevity of our work.
Services
Design Services
Installation Services
Maintenance Services
Greywater Systems
Pond Construction
Nature Photography
Water Audit
Rebate Assistance
Highlights and features
- We specialize in California-native plant landscapes with 15+ years of regional expertise
- Our designs reduce water usage by up to 70% while maintaining aesthetic appeal
- We use 100% recycled and reclaimed materials in all installation projects
- Owner-led projects ensure direct access to our lead designer's environmental science expertise
- We offer comprehensive maintenance services using zero-emission equipment
What people say
Beautiful results
Decreased water bill
Creative and easy to work with
Thriving plants
Professional design
Services
Design Services
Custom landscape design specializing in California-native plants. We create site-specific plans that maximize water efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Our process includes initial consultation, site measurement, and detailed design presentations with plant lists and cost estimates.
Installation Services
Eco-conscious landscape installation using recycled materials. Our team implements designs with waterwise irrigation systems and native plant selections. Services include grading, irrigation setup, and hardscape elements like rock walls and pathways.
Maintenance Services
Regular maintenance for native landscapes using zero-emission equipment. Our services include pruning, irrigation checks, weed control, and edible garden management. We offer flexible schedules from weekly to annual visits.
Greywater Systems
Design and installation of greywater recycling systems for landscape irrigation. We integrate these systems with native plant gardens to maximize water conservation while meeting local code requirements.
Pond Construction
Custom pond design and construction using natural materials. Our ponds integrate with native plant environments to create self-sustaining ecosystems that enhance biodiversity and landscape aesthetics.
People
Rebecca Schoenenberger
Owner, Designer & Builder
Environmental studies graduate with 15+ years of native landscaping expertise. Certified Master Gardener specializing in sustainable California landscapes and water-efficient design solutions.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Cruz counties.
Do you offer design-only services?
Yes, we provide complete landscape design services with optional implementation, including plant selection and irrigation planning.
What makes native landscaping sustainable?
Native plants require 50-70% less water, need fewer chemicals, and support local wildlife while adapting naturally to California's climate.
Do you handle water district rebates?
We assist with Landscape Rebate Program applications and can install qualifying water-efficient features to maximize rebates.
What maintenance is required?
We offer customized maintenance plans from monthly visits to seasonal care, focusing on pruning, irrigation checks, and plant health.
Reviews (3)
Deborah Praisewater
Dec 16, 2017
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California Nativescapes completely transformed our tired front yard to a beautiful native habitat. People actually stop and ask about our front yard. The owner is a Master Gardener and really nows her stuff. She is also involved with the local native plant community and provides informational talks to those who want to make native flora a part of their life. The crew who did the installation were great. We like them do well we have them come for periodic maintenance.
Julie Hill
Jul 24, 2017
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We had an excellent experience. They did both the design and the install. Loved the plant choices and the installers really knew what they were doing compared to a lot of other landscaper people I've worked with who don't actually seem to know much about the plants. We had some extra decorative features installed and it looks fantastic. I have people stop me in front of our house to ask about our landscape. I even had a local NBC news crew who were covering something else nearby take some video and ask me about it (but I don't think they ever aired that on TV). I definitely recommend California
Nojin Bae
Aug 08, 2015
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On 1st visit to measure, she said the cost would reduce a lot(1 day) from the estimate(over $2,600/ 1.5 day/ 2 men). But strangely, she didn't make contract. Anyhow I paid half design fee 150 because of the promise to reduce the labor cost. On contract day, she wrote even more than estimate on the yellow paper. Feeling cheated, I said to pay the other half design right after completion. She intentionally didn't send her workers on two contracted days. I dared go to the address(SJ) on the paper to beg for work or refund. They poured water & cussed at me returning just some a few days later. The
