Nathan has designed and installed landscapes in residential settings from San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sausalito, Beverly Hills, Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco. He is able to weave different kinds of plants from around the world into thriving gardens that suit client’s needs.

Carlsbad Outdoor Living Room

We worked hard to make the most of this compact backyard, expanding the client’s useable space by creating an outdoor living room that featured a fire pit, outdoor shower, dining area, seat walls a vegetable garden and a sun lounge. Clean lines and modern styling are consistent with the interior of the house.

 

Sausalito Garden

This historic estate features one of the oldest homes in Sausalito. The one acre garden needed extensive restoration following years of neglect and damage from house reconstruction.

 

Carlsbad - Outdoor Living Room - After 1Carlsbad - Outdoor Living Room - After 2
  Sausalito Garden - BeforeSausalito Garden - Before

La Jolla Modern

The clients were ready to update their patterned gravel garden to a more contemporary look with a little more flash. With some minor paving & judicious pruning we were able to create a much more compelling presentation.


La Jolla Modern Garden - After 1La Jolla Modern Garden - After 2La Jolla Modern Garden - After 3

Complete Backyard Remodel in Poway

This flat grassy backyard in Poway was transformed by the addition of a pool, pergola barbecue and outdoor dining area. A low retaining wall created abundant informal seating and created more vertical interest. Soil excavated from the pool filled and raised the garden above the wall.

Poway Pool / GardenPoway Pool / GardenPoway Pool / GardenPoway Pool / Garden

Cardiff Garden

The clients dreamed of a Balinese tropical escape. Nathan Smith Landscape designed a garden that features a tropical hardwood gazebo imported from Bali and lush tropical looking plantings that aren’t too thirsty.

Cardiff Garden - After 1Cardiff Garden - After 2Cardiff Garden - Yellow PalmCardiff Garden - Purple FlowersCardiff Garden - Window View

El Cerrito Garden

Former home of Nathan & Marcy Smith. This garden started from scratch now features several hundred different plants woven into a cohesive assembly. The garden has been featured on garden tours and used by professional photographers for plant specimen photographs.

El Cerriton Garden - Back AfterEl Cerriton Garden - Front AfterEl Cerriton Garden - Ceanothus IrisEl Cerriton Garden - Unusual PerenialsEl Cerriton Garden - Flowering Shrubs

Public Gardens

UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley

From collaborating on the design of the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley’s innovative entry garden (Featured in Pacific Horticulture, Winter 2006) to working for six years as the horticulturist in charge of the continuing development the Garden’s outstanding 14 acre California Native collection (Featured in Fremontia, Summer 2008) Nathan has the benefit of rich experience in public garden settings.

Public Gardens - Channel Islands CollectionPublic Gardens - Gone to PotPublic Gardens - Soil and StonePublic Gardens - Moving PalmPublic Gardens - EntryPublic Gardens - Myrtle Wolf