◈ Homepage — http://verdancedesign.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referralABOUTGALLERYREVIEWS TESTIMONIALS AWARDS AND PRESS INQUIRE NOW LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TO MAKE YOUR PENINSULA HOME MORE JOY-FULL. Bring your best landscape to life with meticulous planning and award-winning design. From our studio in Palo Alto, Verdance Landscape Architecture helps Peninsula homeowners who care deeply about where they live achieve their property’s full potential. Our attentive, thorough, and methodical process ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by the complexities of landscape design and construction. And our Califriendly™ approach, refined over more than 20 years, creates a uniquely personal landscape that conserves resources, supports native habitat, and rewards you with beauty and joy every day. inquire now portfolio process & people “Verdance had a vision I never could have dreamed of, and brought it to reality so beautifully and seamlessly that it far surpassed my wildest expectations.” — BARBARA F., MENLO PARK “Their design was inspired and perfect. We really appreciated their integrity and attention to detail. We never had to worry.” — DANIEL N., PALO ALTO get in touch now WELCOME  |  GALLERY  |  REVIEWS  |  FAQ ABOUT  |  VALUES  |  PROCESS  |  PEOPLE BLOG  |  CONTACT  |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE  |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. ◈ Interior Pages — 18 pages crawledReviews | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW   Reviews of Verdance Landscape Architecture. We treat every client’s landscape as though it were our own. The results speak for themselves.   “ Working with Verdance is as good as it gets. John is professional, conscientious, and exudes integrity. He artfully adapts his vision and creativity to the needs of his clients. ” — Andy D., Palo Alto “ They asked thoughtful questions about how we used the space and what we were hoping for in the new garden. The result is amazing… The plants were chosen carefully and have thrived in the eight years since installation. ” — Karen I., Palo Alto “ Verdance identified our needs and designed a dramatically improved outdoor space that fit with our home and was an extension of our indoor style. ” — Jesse J., Menlo Park “ The results are outstanding. We are literally enjoying our yard every day. We have had surprising and wonderful changes in colors from season to season. Verdance cares about providing their clients with a garden that surpasses anything they can imagine. ” — Christina L., San José “ They listened attentively to our ‘wish list’ for new landscaping after construction, and we were very pleased with both the results and our interactions. ” — Marga O., Atherton “ Knowing we didn’t like what we had, but not exactly sure of what we wanted, we relied on their expertise to help us create a yard that has exceeded all our expectations. ” — Cindy G., Redwood City “ We highly recommend John at Verdance Landscape Architecture not only for his flair for design but also for his project management expertise. ” — Daniel N., Palo Alto “ Please stop looking because you have found one of the best landscape designers in the Bay Area. ” — Ann W., Santa Clara “ The Verdance Landscape Architecture team went way above and beyond my original expectations. They took care of every little detail — and then some. I’d give them 10 stars if that were possible. ” — Barbara F., Menlo Park “ Finding someone to do a great job is one thing, but finding someone that can get to know you and what you truly value is another. ” — Kevin B., Mountain View “ John graciously jumped in to help us solve a thorny problem we had not anticipated with our remodel. His design was elegant and very effective. He is a pleasure to work with, a real talent! ” — Jennifer K., Palo Alto “ Thanks to their creative skills, attention to detail, and consistent communication, our journey from barren landscape to our dream garden was serene and trouble free. ” — Ross D., Mountain View “ Not only does John and his team have amazing vision, but they were able to visually translate our thoughts and feelings into designs that were perfect. ” — Jon D., Palo Alto “ The best compliment I can give, outside of how happy we were ourselves, is what I saw when I returned to the house two years after we sold... The new owner had done absolutely nothing to change the design! He cited the landscaping as one of the most pleasant elements of the entire home. ” — Eric M., San Carlos “ I would highly recommend Verdance if you value great, well thought out design and someone who can take your project all the way through completion. ” — Jeff V., Lifescape Custom Landscaping “ Thank you so much for helping this vision come to life; it is truly spectacular and we couldn’t be more pleased with the way it has turned out. ” — Margie D., Palo Alto “ They truly are passionate about their projects. Our needs called for someone with expertise, honesty and pride in his work. John was all that. He listened to what our pain points were, took in our capabilities, and off he went and treated our project like it was for his own home. ” — Rowe H., Mountain View “ The yard is continuing to bring us much pleasure. It has been fun this year to watch the various plants rotate through their bloom cycles. One of the wonderful things about your design is that it also looks beautiful from within the house! ” — Diana P., Morgan Hill “ Creative, passionate, and knowledgeable in landscape design for native environments. Verdance did an exceptional job designing a creative yet practical solution. ” — Dudley K., Portola Valley     Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Awards and Press | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Awards, Features, and Media Appearances If you’d like to come home to an award-winning landscape of your own, let's talk .                                   View fullsize     View fullsize       View fullsize   View fullsize     View fullsize   View fullsize     Best of Houzz: Design (2025) California Landscape Design (2025) “‘Romantic Eclectic’ Garden: Cultivating Connection” Turf Magazine (2024) “Hydrozoning: The science and design of thriving, water-efficient landscapes” Best of Houzz: Design (2024) Association of Professional Landscape Designers International Landscape Design Award (2023) “Romantic Eclectic” (Seneca Residence) Houzz.com (2023) "Featured Yard of the Week: Lush Retreat for Gardening and Gathering" Best of Houzz: Service (2023) Featured Garden Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Spring Tour (2022) Seneca Residence, Palo Alto Best of Houzz: Design (2022) BUILD Magazine Best Luxury Residential Landscape Architecture Studio: California (2021) Porch.com (2020) "Landscaping Q&A: What Every Homeowner Should Know" Best of Houzz: Service (2020) Palo Alto Weekly Home + Garden Design (2019) “Landscaping Without Grass” Palo Alto Weekly Home + Garden Design (2019) "A Bug’s Life" Best of Houzz: Service (2018)   California Landscape Contractors Association Frank S. Herbert Memorial Award for Exceptional Design (2017) Powell Residence, Morgan Hill   Best of Houzz: Design (2017)   Featured Garden Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Spring Tour (2016) Black Residence, Palo Alto   Best of Houzz: Design (2016) Best of Houzz: Service (2016)   Menlo Park Almanac Home + Garden Design (2016) "Landscaping Around the Oaks"   California Landscape Contractors Association Achievement Award: Custom Residential Landscape (2015) Wong Residence, Santa Clara    Best of Houzz: Design (2015)   California Landscape Contractors Association Achievement Award: Medium Residential Landscape (2014) Black Residence, Palo Alto    Palo Alto Weekly Home + Garden Design (2014) "From Blah to Distinctive"   California Landscape Contractors Association Achievement Award: Custom Residential Landscape (2014) Johnson Residence, Palo Alto   Celebrate Home (2013) "How to Work with Your Landscaper"   California Landscape Contractors Association Achievement Award: Medium Residential Landscape (2013) Ivey Residence, Palo Alto   Backyard Solutions (2012) "Easy Care" "Beware" "Low Cost Wonder"   California Landscape Contractors Association Achievement Award: Small Residential Landscape (2010) Dargahi Residence, Mountain View   American Society of Landscape Architects Residential Landscape Architecture Professional Practice Network (2008) "Red Ink, Green Joy"   MarketWatch.com (2007) "Think Outside the Sandbox"   Featured Designer Landscape Smart , HGTV (2006) Uyeshiro Residence   Winning Designer Landscapers' Challenge , HGTV (2005) Grassie-Lambrecht Residence   Featured Designer Landscape Smart , HGTV (2005) Bovard Residence   Featured Designer Landscape Smart , HGTV (2005) Williams Residence     Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. About Us | Verdance Landscape Architecture About Us Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll   Califriendly ™ Landscape Architecture for People, Place, and Planet. Verdance Landscape Architecture designs Peninsula places that look good, feel good, and do good. Since 2002, Verdance has helped Bay Area families realize award-winning landscapes that celebrate where they live. Our Califriendly ™ philosophy enables you to conserve water and protect native species, while transforming your outdoor spaces into places you love to spend time. Our detail-oriented process guides you gently through the countless decisions a custom landscape demands. And our experience and foresight help you avoid frustrating surprises and create the bespoke landscape that’s easy to live with now and in the future. We live and work on lands that were taken from, never ceded by, indigenous Tamien Nation and Ohlone peoples. We ask you to join us in the conscientious stewardship of their ancestral territory.     inquire now Our Process Our People     “ Verdance anticipated our needs, designed and counseled us relative to them, worked within our budget and delivered a yard that we are bragging about and joyful to see every day. ” — Kevin B., Mountain View     Our Step-by-Step Process for Bringing Your Califriendly™ Landscape to Life. A proven workflow to help you avoid overwhelm and minimize surprises. We don’t just want your landscape to be beautiful when it’s built; we want it to support your lifestyle over the seasons and years to come. Our rigorous process breaks even complex projects down to a series of clear decisions, so you always know what’s happening and what’s next.   Design Consultation & Proposal Our work begins with an on-site review to evaluate your site’s opportunities and challenges, discuss possible design approaches, and estimate project budget, timeline, and resource requirements. For an even clearer outlook, upgrade to our Periscape® Site Strategy Session for in-depth research, feasibility analysis, customized roadmap, and Califriendly™ Readiness Scorecard — tools designed to help you make confident, informed decisions. Please note that while a consultation does not oblige you to continue with Verdance, in consideration of your time and money we generally only schedule consultations for projects that align closely with our strengths. To determine whether a consultation or Periscape® session is the right first step for you, please read about who achieves the best results working with Verdance . Predesign & Site Analysis In the all-important Predesign phase, we build on the information taken in during the consultation, refining your design program, developing "idea books,” and researching town ordinances and requirements that will apply to your project. We will work with a surveyor to accurately measure and map your site, and analyze your adjacent and environmental conditions against your intended uses. Ultimately we'll draft a base plan of the existing landscape, which will serve as the foundation for our conceptual exploration. Schematic Design Concepts Especially if we’re creating new outdoor living spaces for you, we will want to explore several concepts that articulate how the spaces can best relate to each other and to your home. These schematic diagrams will show the primary features we propose, including circulation patterns and lines of sight. With your feedback, we’ll either develop additional schemes or identify one direction to evolve into the Preliminary Design. Preliminary Design The Preliminary Design embodies our overall vision for your landscape. Drawn to scale, it shows all the major hardscape and landscape elements, including primary features and types of plants. Along with additional drawings or images to help convey the look and feel we envision, you’ll get a clear picture of our design intent, with enough information for a landscape contractor to estimate installation costs. Design Development With your approval of the Preliminary Design, Verdance will develop the specifics of the plan and help you find landscape contractors with the appropriate expertise. Based on preliminary cost estimates, we’ll update the Preliminary Design as needed and identify the materials that best suit your tastes and budget — from paving and plantings to fixtures, furnishings, lighting effects, and other details. Drawings & Specifications Verdance will prepare detailed installation drawings for you to submit for permit and/or bid with one or more landscape contractors. These typically include a layout plan including locations and finishes of the built features; a planting plan including the locations, names, and quantities of all new plants, with an irrigation plan if necessary to satisfy your local MWELO (water efficient landscape ordinance) requirement; a landscape lighting plan; and any other information such as furnishings, containers, or other accessories that will complete the design. Installation Support Throughout installation, Verdance remains on hand to coordinate the project, answer questions, adjust our plans, and provide any other guidance to ensure your new landscape thoroughly delights you. Post-Installation Even when your contractor’s work is done, ours isn’t: we can find you a great maintenance gardener, purchase additional plants or accessories, or help you understand how your garden will perform over time.     If your project would benefit from this level of attention and detail, please send us a New Project Inquiry and we will follow up with you right away to continue the conversation.   “ The design was to the tee, every detail was clearly addressed. The Verdance team were meticulous in details, punctual and accessible. ” — Ann W., Santa Clara   The Heart and Soul of Every Design. Our people are devoted to helping you enjoy an exceptional project from start to finish.   John Black, RLA, CPLD Principal A California native and Palo Alto homeowner, John established Verdance in 2002 to bring more beautiful, healthy, well-designed landscapes to the Bay Area and beyond. He is a licensed Landscape Architect ( CA #6506 ), certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers ( APLD ), and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects ( ASLA ). He has served the Bay Area District of APLD as Treasurer and President, and is active on both the district and national committees on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. John graduated with distinction from the Landscape Architecture program at UC Berkeley Extension, and earned his graduate and undergraduate degrees from Stanford University . He has been an instructor in Foothill College's Environmental Horticulture and Design department, where he also has served on the Advisory Board since 2013.   RAN RAN Landscape Architect In keeping with the Taoist tradition, Ran believes in the power of nature to nurture, inspire, and transform. This idea, coupled with a love of sketching and painting since childhood, led her to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture at Southwest University in China, a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture at Auburn University , and ultimately her Landscape Architect license ( CA #6697 ). Ran appreciates the design process and loves creating functional landscapes that honor the principles of landscape design in both the overall vision and the details. She believes successful landscapes inspire people to find grace, peace, and harmony.     PROJECT CONSULTANTS Verdance collaborates with surveyors, contractors, engineers, architects, designers, and other specialists to ensure that every project receives the expertise it deserves. If you’re the best at what you do, please contact us to be considered as a consultant for future projects.     EMPLOYME Contact Us | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll   Let's Bring Your Home To Life. Transform your landscape into a source of joy and inspiration. Commission our creative vision, proven process, and meticulous attention to detail. Be sure to read about who typically achieves the best results with us , then please tell us about yourself:   Are we the best fit for you? To provide each client the detailed attention they deserve, we limit the number of commissions we accept. Our work focuses on the Peninsula and South Bay, where we help property owners who are remodeling or building a new custom home… reducing their environmental impact… and yearning to live in a setting they truly love. We prioritize projects that align with our Califriendly ™ approach. Refined over more than 20 years, our methodology conserves California’s water and other natural resources, and provides habitat for native pollinators and caterpillars, while creating refined and inviting living spaces to enjoy with your favorite people. Our process will yield outstanding results if: You desire truly unique solutions… not cookie-cutter or “good enough” You value thoughtful design and fine craftsmanship You prefer to work with experts you don’t have to micromanage You make choices to help your environment and your planet You can prioritize the time, money, and decision-making needed to give your property the “wow” factor If this sounds like you, please contact us now to begin the conversation. let's get started However, we will not be the best choice for you if: Your project has a limited scope, such as repairing irrigation or replanting beds Your landscaping must be complete within the next twelve months Your project budget is $200,000 or less, or $50 or less per square foot You have clear and specific ideas and primarily want help executing them You want to install some or all of the new landscaping yourself, or with unlicensed contractors You won’t be hiring expert garden maintenance to preserve your investment over time In these instances, your project may be better suited to a design-build landscape contractor or a different landscape designer . Whatever route you choose, we wish you a wonderful outcome.       “ I do not know how to thank you all enough… words could not describe the happiness and pride that this realization of the project has brought to the family and us. ” — Margie D., Palo Alto       Location (by appointment only) 855 El Camino Real Suite 316 Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 321-4242     Hours Please contact us to schedule an appointment.     Inquiry Project Inquiry The Best Fit Review-Palo Alto Location Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Our Process | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW   Our Step-by-Step Process for Bringing Your Califriendly™ Landscape to Life. A proven workflow to help you avoid overwhelm and minimize surprises. We don’t just want your landscape to be beautiful when it’s built; we want it to support your lifestyle over the seasons and years to come. Our rigorous process breaks even complex projects down to a series of clear decisions, so you always know what’s happening and what’s next.   Design Consultation & Proposal Our work begins with an on-site review to evaluate your site’s opportunities and challenges, discuss possible design approaches, and estimate project budget, timeline, and resource requirements. For an even clearer outlook, upgrade to our Periscape® Site Strategy Session for in-depth research, feasibility analysis, customized roadmap, and Califriendly™ Readiness Scorecard — tools designed to help you make confident, informed decisions. Please note that while a consultation does not oblige you to continue with Verdance, in consideration of your time and money we generally only schedule consultations for projects that align closely with our strengths. To determine whether a consultation or Periscape® session is the right first step for you, please read about who achieves the best results working with Verdance . Predesign & Site Analysis In the all-important Predesign phase, we build on the information taken in during the consultation, refining your design program, developing "idea books,” and researching town ordinances and requirements that will apply to your project. We will work with a surveyor to accurately measure and map your site, and analyze your adjacent and environmental conditions against your intended uses. Ultimately we'll draft a base plan of the existing landscape, which will serve as the foundation for our conceptual exploration. Schematic Design Concepts Especially if we’re creating new outdoor living spaces for you, we will want to explore several concepts that articulate how the spaces can best relate to each other and to your home. These schematic diagrams will show the primary features we propose, including circulation patterns and lines of sight. With your feedback, we’ll either develop additional schemes or identify one direction to evolve into the Preliminary Design. Preliminary Design The Preliminary Design embodies our overall vision for your landscape. Drawn to scale, it shows all the major hardscape and landscape elements, including primary features and types of plants. Along with additional drawings or images to help convey the look and feel we envision, you’ll get a clear picture of our design intent, with enough information for a landscape contractor to estimate installation costs. Design Development With your approval of the Preliminary Design, Verdance will develop the specifics of the plan and help you find landscape contractors with the appropriate expertise. Based on preliminary cost estimates, we’ll update the Preliminary Design as needed and identify the materials that best suit your tastes and budget — from paving and plantings to fixtures, furnishings, lighting effects, and other details. Drawings & Specifications Verdance will prepare detailed installation drawings for you to submit for permit and/or bid with one or more landscape contractors. These typically include a layout plan including locations and finishes of the built features; a planting plan including the locations, names, and quantities of all new plants, with an irrigation plan if necessary to satisfy your local MWELO (water efficient landscape ordinance) requirement; a landscape lighting plan; and any other information such as furnishings, containers, or other accessories that will complete the design. Installation Support Throughout installation, Verdance remains on hand to coordinate the project, answer questions, adjust our plans, and provide any other guidance to ensure your new landscape thoroughly delights you. Post-Installation Even when your contractor’s work is done, ours isn’t: we can find you a great maintenance gardener, purchase additional plants or accessories, or help you understand how your garden will perform over time.     If your project would benefit from this level of attention and detail, please send us a New Project Inquiry and we will follow up with you right away to continue the conversation. Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Verdance Landscape Architecture | Palo Alto, Atherton, and the Peninsula Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll Landscape Architecture to Make Your Peninsula Home More You . Bring your best landscape to life with meticulous planning and award-winning design. From our studio in Palo Alto, Verdance Landscape Architecture helps Peninsula homeowners who care deeply about where they live achieve their property’s full potential. Our attentive, thorough, and methodical process ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by the complexities of landscape design and construction. And our Califriendly ™ approach, refined over more than 20 years, creates a uniquely personal landscape that conserves resources, supports native habitat, and rewards you with beauty and joy every day.   inquire now portfolio process & people     “ Verdance had a vision I never could have dreamed of, and brought it to reality so beautifully and seamlessly that it far surpassed my wildest expectations. ” — Barbara F., Menlo Park   “ Their design was inspired and perfect. We really appreciated their integrity and attention to detail. We never had to worry. ” — Daniel N., Palo Alto   get in touch now Exceptional Places to Inspire Life %s | Landscape architecture to elevate Peninsula homes Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Our Values | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW   THE VALUES BEHIND VERDANCE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE. Our work, and the people who do it, are guided by seven core values. Perhaps they resonate with you as well: Integrity We begin with the end in mind and imbue our work with a sense of purpose and intention. We uphold our explicit and implicit commitments, and seek and embody truth, respect, and kindness. Humility We are open to knowledge, change and correction, without fear or shame. We cultivate a beginner's mindset to continually expand our awareness. We respond appropriately to feedback and own the consequences of our actions and inaction. Creativity We encourage curiosity, imagination, exploration, and play to inspire ourselves and others. We believe in our — and others' — innate potential for unique expression. Stewardship We take responsibility for enriching our environment, and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. We seek to conserve natural resources, and champion efficiency. This year we will donate 10% of our profits to environmentally-focused organizations. Balance We work in harmony with others, including natural forces. We know what matters most and differentiate between “urgent” and “important." We believe a healthy environment fosters our own wellness and the achievement of our potential. Quality We enjoy creating fine experiences and products for our clients and ourselves. We surround ourselves with extraordinary people and materials, and distinguish our firm by delivering superior service, insightful solutions, and exceptional execution. Joy We are enlivened by our work, and our product and process delight our clients. We solve problems with humor and grace. We seek light and lightness in our work, our relationships, and within ourselves. We exemplify positivity to others and our world.   Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Gallery | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Selected Projects View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize   All images © Verdance Design Group Inc. All rights reserved. Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Privacy Policy 1. Introduction Verdance Design Group Inc. (“Verdance”, “we”, “us”)  always respects your privacy and your preferences. This Privacy Policy (the “Policy”), including our Cookie Policy, explains what personal data we collect from you, including information collected on https://www.verdancedesign.com (the “Website”), and how we use that data. Please read this Policy carefully prior to using our website. By continuing to use this Website or providing information to us you expressly agree to this Policy. The Website is owned and operated by Verdance Design Group Inc. with its head office in Palo Alto, California. 2. About this Policy This Policy sets out the essential details relating to your personal data relationship with Verdance (the “Company”). The Policy applies to all Verdance services and any associated services (the “Company Service”). The terms governing your use of the Company Service are defined in our  Website Visitor Agreement and Terms of Use (the “Terms”). From time to time, we may develop new or offer additional services. If the introduction of these new or additional services results in any change to the way we collect or process your personal data we will provide you with more information and additional terms or policies. Unless stated otherwise when we introduce these new or additional services, they will be subject to this Policy. The aim of this Policy is to: Ensure that you understand what personal data we collect about you, the reasons why we collect and use it, and with whom we share it; Explain the way we use the personal data that you share with us; and Explain your rights and choices in relation to the personal data we collect and process about you and how we will protect your privacy. We hope this helps you to understand our privacy commitments to you. For information on how to contact us if you ever have any questions or concerns, please see Section 15 below. Alternatively, if you do not agree with the content of this Policy, please do not access this website. 3. Your rights and your preferences You may be aware that a European Union law, called the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) gives certain rights to individuals in relation to their personal data. As available and except as limited under applicable law, the rights afforded to individuals are: Right of Access: the right to be informed of and request access to the personal data we process about you; Right to Rectification: the right to request that we amend or update your personal data where it is inaccurate or incomplete; Right to Erasure: the right to request that we delete your personal data; Right to Restrict: the right to request that we temporarily or permanently stop processing all or some of your personal data; Right to Object:     the right, at any time, to object to us processing your personal data on grounds relating to your particular situation;     the right to object to your personal data being processed for direct marketing purposes; Right to Data Portability: the right to request a copy of your personal data in electronic format and the right to transmit that personal data for use in another party’s service; and Right to Not be Subject to Automated Decision-Making: the right to not be subject to a decision based solely on automated decision making, including profiling, where the decision would have a legal effect on you or produce a similarly significant effect. If we send you electronic marketing messages based on your consent or as otherwise permitted by applicable law, you may, at any time, respectively withdraw such consent or declare your objection (“opt-out”) at no cost. The electronic marketing messages you receive from Company (e.g. those sent via email) also will include an opt-out mechanism within the message itself (e.g. an unsubscribe link in the emails we send to you). If you have any questions about your privacy, your rights, or how to exercise them, please contact us as described in Section 15 below.  4. Personal data we collect from you We collect data to operate our business effectively and provide you the best experience. Most of the information we collect is information provided directly by you. We get some data through cookies (small text files that store website data on your computer). We also obtain data from third party sources, including service providers who supplement the site usage data we collect. You have choices about the data we collect. When asked to provide personal data, you may decline. If you choose not to provide data that is necessary to certain products/features, you may not be able to use that product/feature. You may withdraw your consent to us using your personal data at any time by reaching out to us. Please refer to the contact information in Section 14 below. The data we collect may include the following: Contact information such as name, email address, physical mailing address, and telephone number Demographic and location data Personal interests and preferences  5. How we use your personal data We use information collected about you for the following purposes: Communications. We use data to comply with your requests, respond to your inquiries, and send you newsletters, publications or other information that you request. If you contact us through the Website, we may keep a record of your contact information and correspondence, and use it to respond to you. We will further use the data to fulfill any other purposes for which it was provided, and as disclosed at the time the data are collected. Services. We may use your data to contact you from time to time with product or service updates; provide the information, services or support you request and related after-sales services; manage our relationship with you; and carry out any related administration. Marketing. We may contact you from time to time about certain matters that may be of interest to you. Business Operations. We may use data to conduct data analysis or audits that enable us to operate and improve the performance of our Company and tailor our website. 6. Sharing your personal data In order to provide you with the Company Service, we share your information with our employees and contractors whom we believe reasonably need that information in order to do their jobs. In the process of providing landscape plans or other documents to you, printing and shipping vendors may acquire your information, and Verdance cannot control how these vendors handle your information. We may share your information with third parties such as landscape contractors, retailers, municipal planning agencies, media channels, or prospective clientele when necessary to perform the Company Service, or otherwise with your explicit prior permission. We also may share personal data with service providers who work on our behalf for the purposes described in this statement. Examples include companies that host our web servers, analyze data, and provide marketing assistance, e.g. Google Analytics. These companies will have access to and may use your personal information as necessary to perform their functions (for example to help us communicate with you about our services) but they may not use that data for any other purpose and they do not have any independent right to share this information.  We may also disclose personal data as a part of a corporate transaction. Your personal data will remain subject to this Privacy Policy. We also may use or disclose personal data if we believe that we are required to do so for any of the following reasons: to comply with applicable law or respond to requests from governmental, regulatory or public authorities; to protect our clients, for example to prevent spam, attempt A Verdant Life | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Water Conservation Isn’t Enough Water efficiency alone doesn’t make for good design. Verdance’s Califriendly™ approach balances conservation, habitat, and human enjoyment for lasting beauty. Read More John Black October 13, 2025 design principles , planting design , planning , california , maintenance 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP RECIPIENTS Each year, in alignment with our core value of Stewardship, Verdance donates at least 10% of our profits to environmentally-focused organizations. For 2025 we are pleased to be able to support three new groups whose work complements our own. Read More pro bono John Black January 15, 2025 207 Sockbridge Ave california , verdance Landscape Maintenance: Year Ten The third of a 4-part series on the maintenance and foresight needed to keep a new landscape beautiful and healthy for decades. Read More residential John Black August 17, 2024 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , lighting , maintenance , irrigation , planning Landscape Maintenance: Year Five The third of a 4-part series on the maintenance and foresight needed to keep a new landscape beautiful and healthy for decades. Read More residential John Black May 24, 2024 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , lighting , maintenance , irrigation , planning Landscape Maintenance: Year Two The second of a 4-part series on the maintenance and foresight needed to keep a new landscape beautiful and healthy for decades. Read More residential John Black February 5, 2024 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , lighting , maintenance , irrigation , planning Landscape Maintenance: Year One The first of a 4-part series on the maintenance and foresight needed to keep a new landscape beautiful and healthy for decades. Read More residential John Black November 16, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , lighting , maintenance , irrigation , planning In Praise of Bugs Insects provoke a range of reactions from us, from admiration to fear and disgust. Why do bugs… bug us? And what are they good for, anyhow? Read More residential John Black June 17, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture planting design , plants , design principles Who Lives Here? How a good landscape architect designs your outdoor spaces to be your outdoor spaces. Read More residential John Black May 30, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture design process Massive Water Discovery Ends California Drought A massive reservoir has been discovered along California’s western border. But some say harnessing the water for potable purposes is a fool’s errand. Read More John Black April 1, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture Lighting the Landscape Without a well-designed lighting system, you can only enjoy your landscape half of the time. Follow a few simple pointers to achieve beautiful, effective, efficient landscape lighting that elevates your outdoor rooms. Read More residential John Black March 24, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture lighting , design principles The Age of Value A bespoke new landscape is a luxury, for sure. And a new landscape designed thoughtfully and installed carefully will always be expensive. But for the return our clients get from that investment, there may be no better value. Read More residential John Black February 16, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture budget , design process Landscape Irrigation Design The most extraordinary planting design is worthless if those plants aren’t irrigated properly throughout their lives. Read More public , residential , commercial John Black January 30, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture water conservation , irrigation , maintenance 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP RECIPIENT Each year, in alignment with our core value of Stewardship, Verdance donates at least 10% of our profits to environmentally-focused organizations. For 2023 we are pleased to be able to support this group whose work complements our own. Read More pro bono John Black January 9, 2023 Verdance Landscape Architecture stewardship , plants , horticulture , values Designing the Planting Plan: Cultural Needs A plant can only reach its potential in the landscape if its cultural needs are met. In creating a planting design we consider the site’s sunlight, water, soil, and other environmental factors before selecting plants. Read More residential , public , pro bono , commercial John Black December 9, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , planting design , design process Designing the Planting Plan: Plant Characteristics Gardens have so much more to offer us than just flowers. Knowing the growth habits, shapes, and foliage characteristics of plants is key to designing a stunning landscape that doesn’t require flowers to have an impact. Read More residential , public , pro bono , commercial John Black November 8, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , planting design , design process Designing the Planting Plan: Plant Types Everyone loves flowers, but flowers come and go. In designing the perfect perennial garden, we consider the types of plants we want well before we get to the blooms. Read More residential , public , pro bono , commercial John Black October 10, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture plants , planting design , design process Landscape x Design What is a landscape? What is the landscape designer’s role? Read More John Black September 22, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture design process The Landscape Architect's Toolkit: Unity Unity is an important design principle that plays a critical role in creating a cohesive, harmonious, and enjoyable landscape. Read More residential John Black August 16, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture design principles WELO: What Every Architect Should Know (Part 3) As with custom architectural design, successful landscape planning requires expertise and time, and WELO submittals are no exception. Read More residential , public , commercial John Black July 7, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture water conservation , planning , code WELO: What Every Architect Should Know (Part 2) Submittal requirements vary from town to town, but all local WELO ordinances are based on the state MWELO and require similar plans and calculations. Read More John Black June 30, 2022 Verdance Landscape Architecture water conservation , planning , code Older Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. FAQ | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll Frequently Asked Questions Whether you're renovating your landscape as part of a modest remodel or building an entirely new custom home, you undoubtedly have questions about landscape design and construction, if not about Verdance. Please start with the answers below; and don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like more information. If you’re looking for something specific, you may try searching for it here: No results found   Does Verdance work on projects like mine? Verdance designs exceptional landscapes for single-family homes in primarily San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, along the San Francisco Peninsula (from Hillsborough and Burlingame, through Woodside, Atherton, Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills, to Saratoga and Los Gatos). As a licensed landscape architect , we also design multi-family developments and small commercial landscapes. Our projects comprise sites ranging from 5,000 square feet to multi-acre estates. Most important to us is to work with enjoyable people who share our values and are committed to achieving unique, exquisitely conceived outdoor spaces that inspire life. Do I need a landscape architect? Landscape architects are licensed by the State of California to provide the highest level of professional service in developing, enhancing, and/or preserving our precious land and water resources. Your landscaping project will benefit from—if not require—the services of a landscape architect if any of the following is true: Your property is a large residential estate, a multi-family or commercial property, or a public space such as a park or plaza Your project will comprise more than 500 square feet of landscaping Your wish list includes a structural feature such as an arbor, pergola, patio, deck, retaining wall, fountain, fireplace, outdoor kitchen or swimming pool You want to reduce your home’s energy and water use with low-maintenance and drought-tolerant or California native plants Your home is on a sloped lot which needs to be leveled to be more usable Your town’s planning or building department requires a landscape plan prepared by a licensed professional You or your architect will want complete drawings and specifications to bid with a landscape contractor for construction Verdance is well versed in all of the above, so you can trust our expertise will ease your landscape planning process. However, a smaller or simpler project might be a better fit for an unlicensed landscape designer, and a project with serious time or budget constraints might benefit from a design-build landscape contractor; please see “What's the difference…?”, below. You might also find California's “Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Landscape Architect” helpful in making your decision. What’s the difference between a landscape architect, a landscape designer, a landscape contractor, and a gardener? Unless you’re simply replanting garden beds or repairing your irrigation system, which an unlicensed gardener can handle, you ultimately will want a licensed landscape contractor (California license class C-27) to install your hardscape, irrigation, landscape lighting, and of course plants. (A "design-build" contractor can also offer design services, but must install their own designs.) An unlicensed landscape designer legally can’t provide construction plans or specifications, or design for anything other than single-family homes, but can be a great choice if you only need a conceptual design and planting plans, not detailed construction documents. Landscape architects are licensed by the State to do all that a landscape designer can, as well as to create plans for landscape grading and drainage, to design landscapes for multi-family residential, commercial and public projects, to certify plans to satisfy your town’s water-efficient landscape ordinance (WELO), and to develop construction specifications and full documentation for a landscape contractor to bid and build from. Please see “Do I need a landscape architect?”, above. I’m planning to build a new custom home—when should I involve a landscape architect? It’s never too soon to add a landscape architect to your team. Even if you’re still working with a real estate agent to evaluate properties, our expertise can help you with site selection and feasibility studies (always informative but especially valuable if you are pursuing LEED certification). If your architect has already begun designing your new home, try to engage a landscape architect as soon as possible, so you can begin the landscape planning process the moment you settle on a schematic design, or at least when your architectural design is approved by the city planning department or design review board. Of course you can retain a landscape architect at any point in the process, but earlier involvement will make for better collaboration—and better results. How long does it take to design and build a custom landscape? The scope of your landscaping project will be the single biggest determinant of its timeline—not only because a more complex vision takes longer to plan and execute, but also because the pool of available installers shrinks as a project becomes larger and more involved. For a large parcel in a heavily regulated town such as Woodside, Portola Valley, or Los Altos Hills, the landscape design and permitting process may take one year or longer, and contractor bidding and construction may take 18 months or more. Even in a city such as Palo Alto with a reasonable regulatory process, a high-end custom landscaping project may be in design for six months or more, plus another nine to 12 months for installation. Only the simplest of projects—replanting, hardscape replacement, installation of prefabricated structures or furnishings—can be designed and installed in just a few months without sacrificing quality. How soon can you get started on my landscape plans? In order to provide each of our clients with all the thoughtful attention their unique project deserves, Verdance accepts only a limited number of commissions each year. As a result, we may have a waiting list of several months to begin a new landscape design. However, there may be services such as site surveying that can be performed in the interim, so please contact us to discuss your landscaping project if you think we otherwise are a good fit. How involved do I need to be during the landscape design and construction process? We hope that when you commission Verdance to plan your landscape, you’ll do so with full faith in our expertise and creative vision. Because each of our designs is unique to the site and the owner, at a minimum we’ll want your input at three key points: the start of the process, to capture your wishes, needs and budget in the design program; the preliminary design phase, to ensure our recommendations resonate with your expectations; and the design development phase, when we’ll want your approval on the materials and finishes we have selected. Beyond that, we’ve developed procedures to keep you in touch with cost projections from start to finish, and to help you select the best landscape contractor to bring our vision to life. We’re gratified by your trust in our ability to manage your project, and we’ll do everything we can to make the process as easy and predictable for you as possible. How do I select a good contractor? Do you provide landscape construction? Verdance is a design-only landscape architecture studio and does not provide any construction services. We strongly prefer you select only a licensed landscape contractor to install your new landscape, and we regularly work with the best in the business. We’re glad to recommend contractors based on the extent of your landscaping, your project budget and your work style. Can I have my home gardener install your design Verdance Landscape Architecture | Palo Alto, Atherton, and the Peninsula Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll Landscape Architecture to Make Your Peninsula Home More You . Bring your best landscape to life with meticulous planning and award-winning design. From our studio in Palo Alto, Verdance Landscape Architecture helps Peninsula homeowners who care deeply about where they live achieve their property’s full potential. Our attentive, thorough, and methodical process ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by the complexities of landscape design and construction. And our Califriendly ™ approach, refined over more than 20 years, creates a uniquely personal landscape that conserves resources, supports native habitat, and rewards you with beauty and joy every day.   inquire now portfolio process & people     “ Verdance had a vision I never could have dreamed of, and brought it to reality so beautifully and seamlessly that it far surpassed my wildest expectations. ” — Barbara F., Menlo Park   “ Their design was inspired and perfect. We really appreciated their integrity and attention to detail. We never had to worry. ” — Daniel N., Palo Alto   get in touch now Exceptional Places to Inspire Life %s | Landscape architecture to elevate Peninsula homes Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Verdance Landscape Architecture | Palo Alto, Atherton, and the Peninsula Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll Landscape Architecture to Make Your Peninsula Home More You . Bring your best landscape to life with meticulous planning and award-winning design. From our studio in Palo Alto, Verdance Landscape Architecture helps Peninsula homeowners who care deeply about where they live achieve their property’s full potential. Our attentive, thorough, and methodical process ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by the complexities of landscape design and construction. And our Califriendly ™ approach, refined over more than 20 years, creates a uniquely personal landscape that conserves resources, supports native habitat, and rewards you with beauty and joy every day.   inquire now portfolio process & people     “ Verdance had a vision I never could have dreamed of, and brought it to reality so beautifully and seamlessly that it far surpassed my wildest expectations. ” — Barbara F., Menlo Park   “ Their design was inspired and perfect. We really appreciated their integrity and attention to detail. We never had to worry. ” — Daniel N., Palo Alto   get in touch now Exceptional Places to Inspire Life %s | Landscape architecture to elevate Peninsula homes Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. The Best Fit | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Are we the best fit for you? To provide each client the detailed attention they deserve, we limit the number of commissions we accept. Our work focuses on the Peninsula and South Bay, where we help property owners who are remodeling or building a new custom home… reducing their environmental impact… and yearning to live in a setting they truly love. We prioritize projects that align with our Califriendly ™ approach. Refined over more than 20 years, our methodology conserves California’s water and other natural resources, and provides habitat for native pollinators and caterpillars, while creating refined and inviting living spaces to enjoy with your favorite people. Our process will yield outstanding results if: You desire truly unique solutions… not cookie-cutter or “good enough” You value thoughtful design and fine craftsmanship You prefer to work with experts you don’t have to micromanage You make choices to help your environment and your planet You can prioritize the time, money, and decision-making needed to give your property the “wow” factor If this sounds like you, please contact us now to begin the conversation. let's get started However, we will not be the best choice for you if: Your project has a limited scope, such as repairing irrigation or replanting beds Your landscaping must be complete within the next twelve months Your project budget is $200,000 or less, or $50 or less per square foot You have clear and specific ideas and primarily want help executing them You want to install some or all of the new landscaping yourself, or with unlicensed contractors You won’t be hiring expert garden maintenance to preserve your investment over time In these instances, your project may be better suited to a design-build landscape contractor or a different landscape designer . Whatever route you choose, we wish you a wonderful outcome.     Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Reviews | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW   Reviews of Verdance Landscape Architecture. We treat every client’s landscape as though it were our own. The results speak for themselves.   “ Working with Verdance is as good as it gets. John is professional, conscientious, and exudes integrity. He artfully adapts his vision and creativity to the needs of his clients. ” — Andy D., Palo Alto “ They asked thoughtful questions about how we used the space and what we were hoping for in the new garden. The result is amazing… The plants were chosen carefully and have thrived in the eight years since installation. ” — Karen I., Palo Alto “ Verdance identified our needs and designed a dramatically improved outdoor space that fit with our home and was an extension of our indoor style. ” — Jesse J., Menlo Park “ The results are outstanding. We are literally enjoying our yard every day. We have had surprising and wonderful changes in colors from season to season. Verdance cares about providing their clients with a garden that surpasses anything they can imagine. ” — Christina L., San José “ They listened attentively to our ‘wish list’ for new landscaping after construction, and we were very pleased with both the results and our interactions. ” — Marga O., Atherton “ Knowing we didn’t like what we had, but not exactly sure of what we wanted, we relied on their expertise to help us create a yard that has exceeded all our expectations. ” — Cindy G., Redwood City “ We highly recommend John at Verdance Landscape Architecture not only for his flair for design but also for his project management expertise. ” — Daniel N., Palo Alto “ Please stop looking because you have found one of the best landscape designers in the Bay Area. ” — Ann W., Santa Clara “ The Verdance Landscape Architecture team went way above and beyond my original expectations. They took care of every little detail — and then some. I’d give them 10 stars if that were possible. ” — Barbara F., Menlo Park “ Finding someone to do a great job is one thing, but finding someone that can get to know you and what you truly value is another. ” — Kevin B., Mountain View “ John graciously jumped in to help us solve a thorny problem we had not anticipated with our remodel. His design was elegant and very effective. He is a pleasure to work with, a real talent! ” — Jennifer K., Palo Alto “ Thanks to their creative skills, attention to detail, and consistent communication, our journey from barren landscape to our dream garden was serene and trouble free. ” — Ross D., Mountain View “ Not only does John and his team have amazing vision, but they were able to visually translate our thoughts and feelings into designs that were perfect. ” — Jon D., Palo Alto “ The best compliment I can give, outside of how happy we were ourselves, is what I saw when I returned to the house two years after we sold... The new owner had done absolutely nothing to change the design! He cited the landscaping as one of the most pleasant elements of the entire home. ” — Eric M., San Carlos “ I would highly recommend Verdance if you value great, well thought out design and someone who can take your project all the way through completion. ” — Jeff V., Lifescape Custom Landscaping “ Thank you so much for helping this vision come to life; it is truly spectacular and we couldn’t be more pleased with the way it has turned out. ” — Margie D., Palo Alto “ They truly are passionate about their projects. Our needs called for someone with expertise, honesty and pride in his work. John was all that. He listened to what our pain points were, took in our capabilities, and off he went and treated our project like it was for his own home. ” — Rowe H., Mountain View “ The yard is continuing to bring us much pleasure. It has been fun this year to watch the various plants rotate through their bloom cycles. One of the wonderful things about your design is that it also looks beautiful from within the house! ” — Diana P., Morgan Hill “ Creative, passionate, and knowledgeable in landscape design for native environments. Verdance did an exceptional job designing a creative yet practical solution. ” — Dudley K., Portola Valley     Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Website Visitor Agreement and Terms of Use This website is provided for your use by Verdance Design Group Inc. ("Verdance," "we" or "us"). By visiting this website, you agree to the terms of use below. Because this site is always evolving, please be aware that we may change this Visitor Agreement from time to time; by continuing to use this site after we post any such changes, you accept this Visitor Agreement as modified. 1. Accuracy of Content The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Despite our efforts to provide useful and accurate information, errors may appear. We invite you to bring to our attention any content on our site you believe to be inaccurate or inappropriate. 2. Rights You acknowledge that we permit access to content that is protected by copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual and proprietary rights ("Rights"); and that this Visitor Agreement and any applicable copyright, trademark, and other laws govern your use of such content. Notice of Copyright Ownership. The content of our site, including original images, words and phrases, is the product and and property of Verdance Design Group Inc. and we alone own the copyright to such content. Our Limited License to You.  You may display and print for your personal and non-commercial use information you receive through our site. You may not reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use any of the materials on this site without the prior written consent of the Rights holder. Please contact us to request permission to reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use materials found on our site. The burden of determining whether any content on our site is or is not protected by Rights rests with you. Links.  You are free to encourage others to access the information on our site. We welcome links to our site. You are free to establish a hypertext link to our site so long as the link does not state or imply any sponsorship or endorsement of your site by us or make use of a logo or mark without written consent of the mark owner. No Framing.  Without our prior written consent, you may not frame, or in-line link to, any of the content of our site, or incorporate into any other website or service any of our intellectual property. Marks.  You may not use any logo or mark appearing on our site without the prior written consent of the owner of the mark. Notice of Copyright Infringement.  If you are an owner of intellectual property who believes your intellectual property has been improperly posted or distributed via this site, please notify us by email or by sending a notice via U.S. Mail to: Principal, Verdance Design Group Inc., P.O. Box 60311, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Please note that we may access and disclose your personally identifiable information in order to address any infringement claim. Indemnity.  You agree to hold us harmless from any claim that may arise from your use of any of our site. 3. Third Party Services As a convenience to you, we may provide links to third-party websites. Those websites and the parties that control them are beyond our control. We make no representations as to the content, quality, suitability, functionality or legality of any site to which we may provide links, and you hereby waive any claim you might have against us with respect to such sites and their operators. You may order services or merchandise through links on our site from persons not affiliated with us. All matters concerning such merchandise or services, including, but not limited to, purchase terms, payment terms, warranties, guarantees, maintenance and delivery, are solely between you and the merchants with whom you chose to do business. We make no warranties or representations whatsoever with regard to any goods or services provided by those merchants. You will not consider us, nor will we be deemed, a party to such transactions, whether or not we may have received some form of remuneration in connection with the transaction. We will not be liable for any costs or damages arising out of any transaction (whether directly or indirectly) between you and any other person or entity. 4. Disclaimer of Warranties You agree that use of this site is at your sole risk. Our site is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. Verdance Design Group Inc., its affiliates, agents and licensors cannot and do not warranty the accuracy, completeness, currentness, non-infringement, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose of the information, materials and services available through our site. We do not guarantee our site to be error-free, secure, continuously available or free of viruses or other harmful components. You also agree that if you rely on any data or information obtained through our site, you do so at your own risk. You are solely responsible for any damage or loss that results from your use of any material and/or data. Verdance, its affiliates, agents, and licensors make no warranty regarding any goods or services referred to, advertised on, or obtained through our site, other than those express warranties Verdance itself specifically makes on any Verdance service agreement. 5. Limitation of Liability Under no circumstances will Verdance or its affiliates, agents or licensors be liable to you or anyone else for any damages arising out of your use of our site, including, without limitation, liability for consequential, special, incidental, indirect, or similar damages, even if we are advised beforehand of the possibility of such damages. You agree that the liability of Verdance, its affiliates, agents and licensors, if any, arising out of any kind of legal claim in any way connected to our site will not exceed the amount you paid us to use the site. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain categories of damages, the above limitation may not apply to you. In such states, the liability of Verdance, its affiliates, agents and licensors is limited to the fullest extent permitted by such state law. 6. Discontinuance, Modification & Restrictions We may discontinue, change, suspend, or restrict access to our site or any portion of our site at any time without liability to you or any third party. 7. Applicable Law & Exclusive Jurisdiction This site is controlled and operated by Verdance Design Group Inc. from the State of California in the United States of America. Those who choose to access our site from other locations do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws. This Visitor Agreement constitutes an agreement made in, and to be construed in accordance with the laws of, the State of California without regard to its conflict of law provisions. By using this site, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Santa Clara County, California, in all disputes arising out of or relating to this agreement or any or all portions of our site. 8. Dispute Resolution You agree to not take any legal action against us that relates to or arises out of our website without first (a) sending us, via registered mail or national overnight courier service, a detailed written description of the facts and law out of which your claim arises; and (b) negotiating with us, in good faith, for not less 30 days, toward resolution of the dispute. All correspondence concerning such dispute must be emailed to Verdance, or sent to such other designee as Verdance may identify from time to time. 9. Miscellaneous In the event that any provision of this Visitor Agreement conflicts with the law under which this Visitor Agreement is to be construed or if any provision is held invalid by a court with jurisdiction over the parties to the Visitor Agreement, such provision will be restated to re Career Opportunities | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW Scroll Career opportunities LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROJECT COORDINATOR Verdance Landscape Architecture seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Coordinator to manage all aspects of our residential work, from initial intake through final walkthrough. The ideal candidate is proactive, tenacious, and an astute manager of projects and people, with experience in collaborative design environments and a proven record of success keeping complex projects moving forward on schedule and on budget. Learn More & Apply     “ The purpose of our work is not to dominate nature, but rather to dance with her. There is a time to lead, a time to follow, rhythms waiting to be discovered and celebrated. And when we do our part, the results appear effortless… as though ‘our’ garden has belonged there all along. ” — John Black, Principal, Verdance Landscape Architecture     Employment Inquiry If you love creating places that inspire life — and our work , process and values resonate with you — please use this form to introduce yourself. Verdance respects your privacy and we will never share your personal information or files with anyone else.   Career Opportunities Project Coordinator The nature of our work… Employment Inquiry Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved. Our People | Verdance Landscape Architecture Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS INQUIRE NOW Back Testimonials Awards and Press Cart 0 ABOUT GALLERY REVIEWS Testimonials Awards and Press INQUIRE NOW The Heart and Soul of Every Design. Our people are devoted to helping you enjoy an exceptional project from start to finish.   John Black, RLA, CPLD Principal A California native and Palo Alto homeowner, John established Verdance in 2002 to bring more beautiful, healthy, well-designed landscapes to the Bay Area and beyond. He is a licensed Landscape Architect ( CA #6506 ), certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers ( APLD ), and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects ( ASLA ). He has served the Bay Area District of APLD as Treasurer and President, and is active on both the district and national committees on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. John graduated with distinction from the Landscape Architecture program at UC Berkeley Extension, and earned his graduate and undergraduate degrees from Stanford University . He has been an instructor in Foothill College's Environmental Horticulture and Design department, where he also has served on the Advisory Board since 2013.   RAN RAN Landscape Architect In keeping with the Taoist tradition, Ran believes in the power of nature to nurture, inspire, and transform. This idea, coupled with a love of sketching and painting since childhood, led her to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture at Southwest University in China, a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture at Auburn University , and ultimately her Landscape Architect license ( CA #6697 ). Ran appreciates the design process and loves creating functional landscapes that honor the principles of landscape design in both the overall vision and the details. She believes successful landscapes inspire people to find grace, peace, and harmony.     PROJECT CONSULTANTS Verdance collaborates with surveyors, contractors, engineers, architects, designers, and other specialists to ensure that every project receives the expertise it deserves. If you’re the best at what you do, please contact us to be considered as a consultant for future projects.     EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Verdance believes exceptional places welcome everyone… and we’re no exception. Our best work emerges from diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches; so our employment opportunities recognize and reward individual talent regardless of age, country of origin, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, physical ability, or socioeconomic class. If Verdance Landscape Architecture sounds like a place you could do your best work, please look into our career opportunities . Verdance Landscape Architecture 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States (650) 321-4242 [email protected] Hours Mon 8am - 4pm Tue 8am - 4pm Wed 8am - 4pm Thu 8am - 4pm Fri 8am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Closed WELCOME   |  GALLERY   |  REVIEWS   |  FAQ ABOUT   |  VALUES   |  PROCESS   |  PEOPLE BLOG   |  CONTACT   |  CAREERS TERMS OF USE   |  PRIVACY POLICY All content and images copyright 2002-2026 Verdance Design Group Inc. 855 El Camino Real, Suite 316, Palo Alto, CA 94301. All rights reserved.