Services

Sustainable Landscape Consulting

Utilizing ecological principles and a comprehensive review of site conditions, Linda J. Novy & Associates assesses each property’s soil, irrigation, climate, plants, functional drainage, and other factors along with the owner’s or manager’s goals and budget for the landscape.  A “roadmap” for the property is developed that may include a conceptual design sketch or plan, an estimate for costs, plus coordination with specialists such as arborists and irrigation experts. The goal is to create a beneficial landscape that is beautiful, has defensible space elements and improvements that help reduce maintenance expenses over time.

What is Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM)?

It is a holistic approach to landscape design and maintenance that proactively conserves resources, restores, and manages landscapes and their natural assets. SLM protects the Bay watershed by reducing erosion, pollutants, and stormwater runoff; protects air quality by minimizing the use of fossil fuels; and creates and protects healthy soils and wildlife habitats.

What’s in it for you? The quadruple bottom line!

  • By designing sustainability into your property’s landscape, you reduce its ecological footprint and conserve resources — which saves you money.

  • By incorporating ecological principles into your landscape, you collaborate instead of compete with Mother Nature. Restoring natural ecosystems provides an important Earth-friendly service to your community.

  • Sustainable landscapes provide social services: they generate less waste and use less water, reduce stormwater runoff, and have a lower carbon footprint. An ecologically designed and maintained landscape may inspire others in the community to follow your example.

  • By restoring landscapes with plants that are unique and original to each particular site, a “sense of place” is created. By referring to original ecosystems, current and future generations have an experience of the land which otherwise might not be possible.

A backyard garden with a small tree, various bushes, and green grass. A stone pathway runs through the yard, and there's a porch with black chairs and a white brick house wall on the right. Tall trees and a fence border the background.
A garden scene featuring a tree with twisting branches, surrounded by various green plants and flowers, with a pebble ground cover and a white picket fence in the background.
“Our landscape was in serious trouble. Linda J. Novy worked diligently to troubleshoot the issues and develop a corrective plan. She developed detailed specifications and assembled the right team to correct our immediate issues and provide for specialized maintenance at our property. She was timely, professional, and highly responsive to our needs. We could not have successfully completed this project without her.”
— Sylvia P, Property Manager, San Francisco

Horticultural Consulting

Linda J. Novy & Associates produces creative and elegant solutions and practical implementation guidelines for residential and commercial landscapes. We recognize that landscapes are dynamic systems which require an adaptive management approach. Specific site issues call for customized plans and solutions. Good water and soil management, proper horticultural care of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and selection of attractive and long lasting color rotations are the foundation of any landscape.

A garden pathway surrounded by colorful flowering plants and lush greenery, leading to an open grassy area with flower sculptures in the background.

New Landscapes

Mid-term Landscapes

Front porch with two wooden chairs, lush green plants, large rocks, and a window on a brown house exterior.

Landscapes cycle through various stages:

Newly created landscapes require special care to properly establish the plants and ensure that irrigation and drainage systems are working as designed. A focus on the correct maintenance program is paramount. We assist property owners and managers in developing specifications and choosing the right maintenance team. Communication with the landscape architect or designer ensures proper implementation of the design vision.

Landscapes and irrigation systems which are 10-15 years old may have areas which no longer meet the owner’s needs or which have simply failed. A mid-term review of the property’s systems may include: irrigation and drainage, arborist program, soil management, pest management, and maintenance company services. Design enhancements and adjustments to maintenance specifications can re-set the landscape on an improved course.

Mature Landscapes

These are landscapes which have reached or passed their functional life span and are in decline. Renovation of plants and infrastructure can extend the life cycle of the landscape, but planning for landscape rehabilitation is required as a long-term strategy.

“I am extemely pleased with my new landscaping, designed by Linda Novy. She took great care helping me to choose the plants that appealed to me and would flourish in my yard, considering the light, soil conditions, and deer problem. She also helped me choose beautiful new trees and shrubs to replace older ones and to select lovely plants to refresh the pots in my deck garden. Linda is extemely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and easy to work with. It’s a pleasure to see the beautiful plantings she selected already beginning to flourish.”
— Donna C.
A lush backyard garden with various green plants and trees, a stone decoration, and a wooden fence in the background.
A construction worker in a yellow safety vest and helmet planting flowers in a garden bed beside a concrete sidewalk, with apartment buildings in the background.
A lush garden with a variety of green plants, trees, and a rock feature, bordered by a well-maintained grass lawn on the left side.
Multi-story residential buildings with balconies, stairs, and greenery in a suburban setting on a partly cloudy day.
“I cannot recommend Linda’s horticultural coaching services more highly or enthusiastically! Armed with her wealth of knowledge and experience, Linda inspires a love of gardening, of learning and of taking pride in and ownership of one’s landscape. Linda is what every good coach should be – an inspiration, a guide, a mentor. She is always available and very attentive to any questions or ideas I may have by e-mail or by phone. She is truly interested and engaged in my process and journey as a gardener. In addition, Linda is encouraging, professional, and energetic.”
— Estate Owner, Sonoma County