About Garden Designs by Marlene Deel – Firewise Landscape Design and Native Ecology Services in California
Since 2003, Marlene Deel has been designing thoughtful, drought-conscious gardens that celebrate the quiet beauty of nature and the power of ecological connection. With academic roots in both Landscape Architecture and Art History, her work bridges artistic composition with natural systems, creating outdoor environments that feel timeless, resilient, and alive.
Each design reflects a commitment to the land, not just as a backdrop, but as a living system to be understood and nurtured. Her approach integrates core ecological principles: conserving energy and water, building soil health, supporting pollinators, enhancing biodiversity, and prioritizing native plants that form deep relationships with local wildlife.
Rather than forcing a garden into place, Marlene listens to the site, its rhythms of light and shade, its seasonal shifts, its capacity for renewal. Her goal is always to design landscapes that sustain life, soften the human footprint, and restore a sense of balance between people and place.
As a Firewise qualified designer, Marlene also incorporates fire-smart strategies that reduce risk while enhancing natural beauty. Her gardens are layered with intention, resilient, regenerative, and deeply connected to place.
Working throughout Lafayette, Orinda, Danville, Walnut Creek, Piedmont, and surrounding East Bay communities, Marlene brings clarity, sensitivity, and ecological purpose to every garden she creates.
MY SERVICES
MY SERVICES
Thoughtful, sustainable landscape design for East Bay homes
Designing a landscape with Garden Designs by Marlene Deel is a collaborative process grounded in ecology, beauty and place. Every project is tailored to your site, your lifestyle and the rhythms of the East Bay climate, with California native plants at the heart of the design.
California Native Plant Expertise
Deep knowledge of California native plant communities allows your garden to support local ecology while remaining elegant and refined. Plants are selected for drought tolerance, seasonal interest and their relationships with birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. The result is a resilient landscape that feels rooted in place.
Firewise Certified Design
Firewise principles are integrated into the design from the beginning, so safety and beauty work together. Planting zones, materials and spacing are planned to reduce risk while preserving a sense of softness and calm. You gain a landscape that feels natural and inviting, with thoughtful attention to defensible space.
Ecological and Pollinator Friendly Planting
Gardens are designed as living systems that support biodiversity. Layered plant communities provide nectar, shelter and movement corridors for bees, butterflies and birds. This ecological richness brings a sense of life and quiet fascination to your outdoor space throughout the year.
Installation Oversight and Guidance
Thoughtful design is supported by careful implementation. Marlene provides guidance and oversight during installation so that grading, planting and hardscape follow the intent of the plan. Whether you work with a landscape contractor or take a more hands on role, you receive clear direction to help your garden establish and thrive.
Why choose Garden Designs by Marlene Deel
Every landscape is designed with thoughtful intention and a deep respect for your home. With over 20 years of experience, Marlene brings a level of professionalism and ecological expertise that clients trust with their most valuable spaces. Her work reflects a commitment to California native plants, sustainable design and solutions tailored to the unique character of each site.
OUR DESIGN PROCESS
1. Conversation and Discovery
Every project begins with a focused conversation about your vision, lifestyle and the character of your property. This ensures the design reflects how you want to live in your outdoor space.
2. Site Assessment
Marlene studies your property with care and precision, evaluating soil conditions, sun exposure, existing plantings and the natural views that shape the experience of your home. This allows the design to respond intelligently to the land.
3. Conceptual Design
A detailed conceptual plan is created to bring structure, flow and ecological purpose to your landscape. Garden rooms, circulation and planting frameworks are developed to form a balanced and enduring outdoor environment.
4. Plant Selection and Detailing
Plants are chosen for beauty, resilience and ecological value, with a strong focus on California native species. Hardscape elements are selected to complement the planting design and provide lasting structure.
5. Collaborative refinement
You are invited to review the design and offer feedback. Adjustments are made thoughtfully to ensure the final plan aligns with your needs and supports the natural rhythm of the site.
6. Implementation and Stewardship
Marlene provides clear guidance and oversight during installation to maintain the integrity of the design. Whether you work with a landscape contractor or take a hands on role, you and your home are supported with responsible, attentive care at every step.
7. A landscape that Evolves
Gardens mature over time. Marlene offers ongoing consultation to guide thoughtful maintenance and ensure your landscape continues to deepen in character, beauty and ecological richness.