Verdance Design Group LLC
About
Verdance Design Group is a residential landscape design studio in Palo Alto, California. Since 2002, we’ve established a reputation for responsive service, environmental sensitivity and impeccable quality. Our imaginative yet practical designs celebrate both the homeowner and the site, fulfilling each property's potential for inspired outdoor living.
Our mission is to, literally, make the world a better place by designing landscapes that require less water and less maintenance; attract songbirds, butterflies, pollinators and other beneficial insects; and inspire joy by creating welcoming outdoor rooms that people love to live in.
Services offered
Softscaping
Lay grass or sod
Lay artificial turf
Plant trees or shrubs
Trim trees/shrubs
Work needed
Complete renovation
Hardscaping
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Exceptional 5.0
6 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Eric M.
Apr 29, 2015
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From Google
John is a terrific designer. My wife and I hired John a few years back to completely re-do our front and back landscaping. He was given the challenge of designing something that fit into a small, oddly shaped footprint with a gentle slope towards the back of the house. The best compliment I can give John, outside of how happy we were ourselves, is what I saw when I returned to the house two years after we sold... The garden in the front yard not only remained exactly as John designed it but was absolutely flourishing! In the back yard, the deck that John artfully designed to flow from the second story down to the ground was untouched and still made the whole space come together; the fruit trees were either flowering or bearing fruit. 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.I would recommend John and Verdance to anyone who asked me!
Verdance Design Group LLC's reply
Eric, I'm delighted to know that the new owner is as happy with the landscape as you were! Thank you for letting me know.
Diana P.
Mar 16, 2018
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From Google
In late 2014 my husband and I sold our home of 30 years on the mid-Peninsula and settled in a brand-new home in Morgan Hill. Though we loved our new neighborhood, I had no idea how to turn our small rectangle of dirt and weeds into a welcoming garden. I had admired John Blacks work for some time but didnt know if I could talk him into coming south to look at my small parcel of bare land. I will always be so thankful he accepted the challenge. My lot had heavy clay soil, drainage issues, no shade, no privacy and no views. And its hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Oh, and I wanted to create a cottage garden. John asked me lots of questions so he had a better idea of how I planned to use the space. I told him I wanted to create an environment for birds and bees and butterflies, and I wanted to hear the sound of water. One of Johns many strengths is that he truly listens to his clients; he wants them to enjoy the process as well as the result. Whats more, John is fun to work with; he is a thoughtful and caring person. John initially drew several sketches showing possible ways to develop the yard. I was especially drawn to one plan that established a strong backbone to the garden through the use of different hardscape materials. John then introduced me to a wide variety of drought tolerant plant material that would achieve a cottage garden feel but thrive in the heat. He helped me appreciate design elements Id never thought about and encouraged me to consider color choices that wouldnt visually disappear in the bright mid-day sun. John was patient with my never-ending questions I felt he truly cared about every step of the project. A newly planted garden does not immediately reveal itself. Plants need to fill in and take shape. But as we moved through the seasons Johns talent was obvious in so many ways, from the interesting foliage textures to the variation in flower sizes and shapes, to the gentle sounds of cascading water. The stucco walls of our neighbors homes now provide texture between the plantings rather than overwhelm the yard. We find ourselves drawn outside in a way we never were before. The result of Johns creativity and attention to detail is a garden that brings my husband and I great joy whether we are enjoying the view from the windows on a cold winter day, tidying the blooms on a rosebush in summer or soaking up the morning sun with a cup of coffee. Johns tremendous talent created a happy balance of colors and textures, shapes and sounds. As Ive told him several times, the garden speaks to me it makes me smile.
Scott B.
Aug 12, 2015
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From Google
John worked with me and the crew from the HGTV show Landscape Smart in the renovation of my yard. From the start John showed his creativity, expertise and willingness to go the extra mile. My wife and I really enjoyed working with John and appreciate the results everytime we look out our windows and into our backyard. The intensity of the filming process put us all under a great deal of pressure but John was always cool and easy going while being decisive and committed to the quality of his work. For anyone thinking of hiring John for landscape design...do it now.
Verdance Design Group LLC's reply
Scott, I know we never would have achieved such a great result without your unyielding support and hard work! It's rare that I get to work with homeowners who are so committed to excellence. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
Ann W.
May 3, 2018
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From Google
It has been 4 years since John designed my beautiful backyard landscape which was installed in 2014. Its my pleasure to say that I still love going out to my backyard every day. Whether I go out to do light gardening or enjoy a meal outside, the surrounding scene created by John is incredibly relaxing. My backyard has a special name A French Garden which was given by a landscape installer who absolutely admired Johns design. John is very knowledgeable of plants, trees, zones and landscape materials that would bring out the uniqueness of each desired landscape. He is an advocate for water conservation by using drought tolerant plants. In my garden project, he was very attentive in listening to what I liked or disliked in a landscape style. He took my vision and transformed it to a perfect, beautiful French garden. His design was well thought out in detail from the pathway, gravel size and color to the border stones, Provence fountain and planters. The outdoor grill area, the arbors, the pavers and the lighting was also wonderfully planned. Everything just tied together harmoniously. There was a lot of decision making but I wasnt overwhelmed as John and his team helped me through the decisions and selections of landscape materials during the project. I am delighted to recommend John for your landscaping project. He is truly creative and talented in the landscaping design. If you would like to read my 1st review on Johns work, you can find it in Houzz under Verdance Landscape Design.
Verdance Design Group LLC's reply
Ann, it truly was our pleasure to realize your wish for a relaxing Provencal garden! I'm delighted to know it continues to bring you joy. Thank you for your kind review!
Andy D.
Aug 11, 2015
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From Google
John really listens to his clients and turns their ideas into a vision that is both creative and practical. He helped us convert our outdoor patio into a peaceful and beautiful space - a place we now frequently use and love. He came up with a bamboo arrangement that is gorgeous and blew away our expectations. We love sitting outside but the space was not inviting due to a combination of obvious and intangible reasons - including afternoon glare from the sun. Now we love the space and the bamboo filters the rays just right. Working with John is as good as it gets. He is a great listener and really cares about his clients. He is professional, conscientious, and exudes integrity. He artfully adapts his vision and creativity to the needs of his clients and makes them feel good. My wife and I do not come across people like this very often which is why we took the time to write this review.
Verdance Design Group LLC's reply
Andy, I'm officially blushing. Thank you for your kind words, but most of all for the privilege of working with such wonderful people as you.
Credentials
Background Check
John Black