Design Services Foothill Cottage Gardens offers a broad range of expert design services: landscapes for new homes perennial gardens rock gardens herb and vegetable gardens, and orchards.

All designs include appropriate trees, shrubs, ornamental vines, perennials, bulbs, herbs, and fruit trees. Gardens are designed for maximum enjoyment (by everyone, including children, birds, and butterflies -- but not deer!), seasonal interest, minimal watering, fire safety, and ease of care.

Homeowners are involved from the beginning. Careful attention is paid to their wishes and visions, with guidance toward choice of plant material appropriate to the site. Definition of the plantings always includes long-range planning for the mature garden.

After touring several of the gardens designed by Carolyn in Nevada County, Lance Walheim (free-lance garden writer for Sunset) commented: "Carolyn is a knowledgable horticulturalist and gifted designer. Her gardens are not only beautiful and functional, but also extremely appropriate for the climate and environment in which they are installed. Each garden is unique, reflecting her responsiveness to individual clients." For quotes from some of her satisfied clients, click here.

Designing gardens in Nevada, Placer, and Sacramento counties since 1980, Carolyn has a broad knowledge of the influences of rocky soils, hot summer sun, and the variables of shade. Extensive experience in areas of high deer population have given Carolyn great insight into the types of plants that are most "deer-resistant".

Fee Structure

All services are billed at $65.00 per hour. If a blueprint seems advisable for long-term planning, an estimate of the cost for this service will be given with the first site visit. For more information, please call us at (530) 272-4362.