Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Landscape Design & Contracting Services in Monterey, CA
Creative Landscaping has been serving the Monterey Bay Area since 1975, delivering exceptional landscape design and contracting services. Our founder, Riley Twohig, brings over 45 years of local expertise, having earned a B.A. in Landscape Architecture from UC Berkeley and worked closely with renowned figures like Ansel Adams. We specialize in creating outdoor environments that combine natural beauty with functionality, focusing on sustainable practices tailored to the region's unique microclimates and soils. Our hands-on approach ensures personalized service for residential and commercial clients across Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and surrounding areas. We offer comprehensive solutions including landscapes, hardscapes, woodwork, masonry, lighting, and drought-tolerant irrigation systems.Our deep understanding of local conditions allows us to design water-efficient gardens that thrive while enhancing property value. We prioritize client collaboration, working within budgets to create custom designs from formal plans to on-site sketches. Our team's commitment to quality is reflected in our membership with the California Landscape Contractors Association and numerous client testimonials praising our professionalism and results. We maintain a small, dedicated operation to ensure direct owner involvement in every project. From concept to completion, we focus on transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional extensions of our clients' lifestyles.
Services
Landscapes
Hardscapes
Woodwork
Masonry
Lighting
Irrigation
Decks
Fences
Retaining Walls
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of local landscaping expertise in Monterey's unique microclimates
- Our designs incorporate sustainable, drought-tolerant practices tailored to regional conditions
- Owner directly oversees every project with hands-on professional involvement
- We specialize in custom solutions from formal plans to budget-friendly on-site sketches
- Proven track record with numerous client testimonials praising our professionalism and results
Associations and certifications
- California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
What people say
Beautiful outdoor spaces
Knowledge of plants
Finished within time frame
Minimal disruption
Increased property value
Services
Landscapes
Custom landscape designs combining natural beauty with functionality. We create sustainable outdoor spaces using drought-tolerant plants and regionally appropriate materials. Our expertise includes Mediterranean gardens, native plantings, and formal designs that enhance property value while respecting local environmental conditions through 45 years of Monterey Peninsula experience.
Hardscapes
Comprehensive hardscape construction including driveways, patios, and retaining walls. We work with concrete, pavers, and natural stone to create functional outdoor living spaces. Our specialty includes building ponds and waterfalls that integrate seamlessly with surrounding landscapes while improving property aesthetics and usability across Carmel and Monterey areas.
Woodwork
Custom outdoor wood structures including decks, fences, and arbors. We design and construct redwood privacy fences and decorative trellises that enhance property boundaries while creating inviting entertainment spaces. Our deck installations combine aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, using quality materials suited to California coastal climates.
Masonry
Professional masonry services for patios, walkways, and retaining walls. We work with flagstone, brick, and concrete to create durable outdoor surfaces. Our expertise includes firepits and columns that add architectural interest while ensuring structural integrity. We adapt construction methods to local soil conditions for long-lasting results in Monterey's varied terrain.
Irrigation
Specialized drought-tolerant drip irrigation systems for efficient water use. We install precision irrigation networks that promote plant health while minimizing consumption. Our drainage solutions including French drains address local hydrological challenges. Systems are designed for optimal performance in Monterey's specific microclimates with automated controls for convenience.
People
Riley Twohig
Owner
Native Monterey Peninsula resident with 45+ years of landscaping experience. UC Berkeley graduate in Landscape Architecture who worked with Ansel Adams. Directly oversees all projects with deep knowledge of local soils and climate conditions. Maintains hands-on involvement in every installation.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire Monterey Peninsula including Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, and surrounding areas like Salinas and Big Sur.
How long have you been in business?
Creative Landscaping has provided services since 1975, with owner Riley Twohig bringing over 45 years of local landscaping experience to every project.
What makes your landscaping different?
Our designs combine sustainable practices with deep knowledge of local conditions. We specialize in drought-tolerant gardens that thrive in Monterey's unique microclimates while enhancing property value.
Do you handle both design and installation?
Yes, we offer complete landscape services from initial design through final installation, working closely with clients to create custom outdoor spaces that meet their specific needs and budget.
Can you work with existing landscapes?
We provide renovation services for existing landscapes, incorporating sustainable improvements like efficient irrigation systems and drought-tolerant plant replacements while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
What about maintenance after installation?
While we focus on installation, our designs incorporate low-maintenance principles. We can recommend appropriate maintenance practices to ensure your landscape remains beautiful with minimal ongoing effort.
