Hello

I'm Sonia Hildebrand, and I'm excited to help transform your outdoor space into something truly special. My conceptual designs combine thoughtful planting with carefully crafted hardscapes to create beautiful, functional gardens...from native drought-tolerant landscapes and pollinator-friendly havens to tranquil woodland retreats and clean, modern designs. My goal is to design a space you’ll love to walk by, and love even more to spend time in.

My Story

The love of working with plants has been passed down through four generations of women in my family beginning with my great-grandmother, my grandmother, and especially my mother. We are a lineage of women who know how to make a garden thrive.

Fueled by a deep passion for plants and nature, I pursued a degree in Conservation and Resource Studies at UC Berkeley. During my time there, I was actively involved in the campus garden, where I gained hands-on experience in growing edibles, designing pollinator-friendly landscapes, and applying permaculture principles.

Following my studies, I spent six years working as a designer and project manager for high-end residential landscape design/build firms along the California coast. Then, 17 years ago, after the birth of my first son, I transitioned to working independently, designing gardens in the East Bay ever since.

I approach every project with enthusiasm, crafting a harmonious balance of hardscape elements and carefully curated plantings tailored to each client’s unique preferences. Below are the key components I consider when designing your outdoor space:

Hardscape Design

Functionality: Every hardscape element is thoughtfully planned to ensure both practical use and a seamless flow throughout the space. This includes pathways, patios, decks, pergolas, seating areas, and any other desired features.
Aesthetic Appeal: The design will be visually cohesive, balancing symmetry, texture, and material choices such as flagstone, boulders, wood, concrete, and gravel to enhance the overall theme.
Kid-Friendly Gardens: As a mother of two boys, I understand how gardens evolve with family life. From sandboxes and treehouses to water play stations and later, hot tubs and lounge spaces, I enjoy helping families design gardens that adapt to their children's changing needs, without compromising beauty and functionality.

Planting Design

The planting plan will be customized to thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions, featuring a diverse selection of species. This may include native drought-tolerant plants, pollinator-friendly flowers, aromatic herbs, ornamental grasses, and edible plantings.