About myself
Landscape Design that Honors Plants, Place and Spirit
Mission
We draw strength from the land around us, and by deepening our relationship with nature we can find great peace and relaxation.
These beliefs are the inspiration for all that I do. Architecture and structure alone cannot give a landscape its life and complexity. Rather, it is the plants that convey a sense of the natural spirit and bring a landscape to life, literally!
I believe it is my creativity, experience and passion for plant life that allow me to help clients create extraordinary spaces. And it is the fondness for my clients’ dreams that helps me translate their vision into a workable project.
Having established by business in California, I am particularly aware of the delicate balance that must be established to create attractive drought-resistant and low-water gardens that will thrive in this desert environment. Beauty and conservation go hand-in-hand, and the best and strongest gardens are those that utilize plants best-suited for the natural environment.
A Passion for Plants
I view plants as my partners when I begin to work with clients on turning their landscape vision into reality. Maintaining a deep respect for plants prevents me from creating structure-driven gardens that rely too heavily on hardscapes. I believe that when plants are accorded proper attention and space, they can create an emotionally resonant space for the homeowners. After all, a garden is meant to engage beauty and to nurture a person’s deep accord with the natural world. A landscape without plants isn’t a garden at all.
Experience
I have lived in many different places (Loire Valley/France, Frankfurt/Germany and Southern California) and worked for many different companies. Wherever I go, I always try to absorb new knowledge and “grow” my unique set of skills and design vision.
I am proud to have obtained California certificates in Landscape Design and Ornamental Horticulture. I was also able to hone my gardening techniques and develop my unique sense of design through working for several local nurseries and a landscaping company.
Finally, after many years of developing my own methodology and design style, I decided to bring my expertise directly to those looking for unique and beautiful landscapes by establishing my own company, Christiane Holmquist Landscape Design. I have since helped many homeowners completely makeover their landscapes into natural paradises.
“Our garden is wonderful. I find being in the backyard incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating. The bamboo is thickening out nicely too, so the privacy is almost complete.” Todor F., 2012
I am also proud to be an “expert” at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon where I provide landscape consultations to homeowners seeking inspiration on their water conservation efforts. I also give presentations and workshops on landscape-related topics to groups all around San Diego.
Professional Memberships:
APLD, Association of Professional Landscape Designers
CLCA California Landscape Contractors Association
CNPS, California Native Plant Society
NAPWL National Association of Professional Women in Landscape
