TESTIMONIALS

 Some of my former clients share their thoughts about my services:

 

Kathleen Allen

I moved to Green Valley in the summer of 2019. My yard was full of “pom pom” bushes that required frequent trimming and seemed out of place in the desert. I signed up right away for Linda’s “Caring For Your Desert Landscaping” class through GVR. At the end of four weeks I was so impressed by the depth of Linda’s knowledge and experience as well as her dedication to appropriate desert plants for GV. I asked Linda to design a new plan for my front, side and back yards. We talked about plants I liked, what I wanted in my outdoor living areas and Linda designed a terrific plan emphasizing desert plants that would be colorful and attractive to birds and butterflies. Throughout the process she answered my many questions, provided excellent quality review of the landscapers and incorporated “dark sky” appropriate lighting. The project was completed on Friday and I am thrilled with my new spaces! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

July 5^th, 2020

 

Lorna George

Moving to AZ from the Midwest, I needed help to plan desert landscape at my new home. Linda listened and asked questions to learn my taste and translate the type of gardens I had before into a new vision. The finished project is great and I look forward to enjoying my courtyards for years to come.

April 2020

 

Jill Klaver

You won’t go wrong trusting Linda Strader to design a beautiful landscape. The home we bought was landscaped with a number of plants poorly suited to the environment, and required a lot of watering. We wanted something that would be appropriate to the climate, require less water, and attract birds and butterflies. Linda’s design met our needs and exceeded our expectations, and has turned our backyard into our favorite place to relax. She partnered beautifully with the landscapers to make sure the project was executed properly. We are thrilled, and we recommend her highly!

April 30, 2020

 

 

Lucy Redding

Her presentations and designs fit our parameters exactly and she provided the drawings in a short time after our first meeting. Her knowledge of plants and design of the plants was just excellent.

July 10, 2019

 

 

Terry Chute

Linda did an amazing job meeting our desires and expectations with her landscape design for our Green Valley home! She shares our philosophy of using low maintenance native and desert-adapted species that provide color year-round and attract birds and butterflies. The day the landscape contractor finished the job, we started seeing bird species that had previously not been seen in our yard! Linda provided prompt and professional service, did an excellent job of determining what we were looking for, and incorporating those desires into a landscape plan. We are very happy with the work both of Linda and the landscape contractor she recommended. We highly recommend Linda for any landscape planning needs you may have!

April 23, 2019

 

Jim Lemen

Linda knows the Green Valley area and what plants will do well here. She helped us pick plants that look good now and won’t outgrow the space we have. Her plan combined rock, flowering plants, and pots to create a multi-textured landscape. It was just what we were hoping for.

April 6, 2019

 

 

Dave Colicchio

I moved into a home whose landscaping was “tired” and had several non-desert plants. Linda designed a new landscape for me which includes only native and/or desert plants. A new front patio area was added giving me a new outdoor space. Looks fantastic! Linda is a professional and the design was topnotch. She met with the installation contractor several times during the project to help keep them on track. Nicely done, Linda!

March 27, 2019

 

 

Judy and Jud Sullivan Anderson

We hired Linda Strader and Desert Landscape Design to create a new landscaping plan for our Green Valley home. She took the time to stop by and take a look at existing landscaping and offer ideas. When we asked about her drawing up a plan for us, she quoted approximate costs for her time. Later, she sent us a detailed contract to sign, and when she billed, the billing was detailed and fair. Not only did she provide the landscape plan, but stopped by more than once to check progress and accuracy in plant choice and location when the landscapers were implementing the plan. When the project was complete, Linda stopped by again to assess the work and make sure we were satisfied. We ARE truly satisfied with Linda and her work from start to finish and highly recommend her as an honest and capable expert.

February 4, 2019

 

 

Jan & Ken Absher

Linda is the perfect landscape designer. She is a pleasure to work with, she is an expert on desert plants and wildlife, she listens, she understands monsoon drainage issues, she always follows through, and her fees are quite reasonable. She turned out ugly yard into an oasis for us and the butterflies and hummingbirds we wanted to attract. Butterflies began showing up as soon as the landscaper completed installation of the plants she selected for us. We are thrilled with the sanctuary she created and look forward to enjoying it for years. We also appreciate her helping us find a very good landscaper.

January 28, 2019

 

 

Schaffer

As a “newbie” to landscape planning, I was unsure how to proceed when my yard needed sprucing up. Fortunately, I happened to attend two different classes given by Linda Strader on various aspects of desert gardening. I was impressed by her knowledge and experience and by her philosophy about nature and the environment. When I approached her with my very sketchy ideas about improving my landscaping, she readily agreed that she could work with me and my goals. “Happy ending!” Linda was a pleasure to work with. She was always competent, patient, and professional. I have been very pleased with my new landscaping and would not hesitate to consult with her again.

August 6, 2018

 

 

Catherine Falvey

I had been thinking about re-doing my tired, out-dated, high maintenance front yard for some time but had no idea how to go about coming up with a design. I decided I needed a professional to help me. I had gotten a business card from Linda after having taken her class on Caring for Cactus and Succulents. I called Linda & set up a meeting. She came with lots of ideas and enthusiasm. She understood what I was looking for & help guide me towards achieving a low maintenance, low water, native species oriented yard. She never pressured me to go with her ideas. She responded promptly to any questions or concerns I had as she was developing a draft of our design. She delivered us a well thought out landscape design plant, within the budget she quoted us. Once our plan was being executed by our landscaper, she checked on how our project was progressing. I am very happy with the results and highly recommend Linda for your landscape design.

July 1, 2018

 

 

Patricia Williams

My husband and I heartily recommend Linda Strader and her services as a landscape architect. I took a course offered by her on desert landscaping a year ago. She was, and is, knowledgeable, experienced, professional, and personable. We called her this year to help with a neglected yard, with inappropriate landscaping for desert. She came over, listened to our wishes, made notes during our meeting, and later delivered a resume of our meeting with all the correct details. On the date promised, she delivered a landscape plan, and connected us with a landscape contractor with whom she has work for five years. She responds to email questions promptly, is punctual for meetings, and we thought, is worth every penny of our investment in her. Our yard is now drought tolerant, has blooming flowers which attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and best of all, while we are here, as snowbirds. We would not hesitate to recommend her services.

March 12, 2018

 

 

Judith Kasper

HIRING LINDA TO DESIGN OUR LANDSCAPING WAS ONE OF THE WISEST DECISIONS I HAVE MADE! I had taken several of her classes on native plants. Although I have gardened for years, I quickly realized my lack of knowledge regarding native desert plants. Linda created a design that incorporated my vision but with all native plants both for water conservation and the native plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Both front and back patios are stunning and VERY relaxing. She was very responsive to my many questions both during the designing as well as during the time the landscapers were working. Both my husband and I are so delighted!

December 1, 2017

 

Ann Dolan

Linda knows her stuff. She selected lovely plants for our desert garden and transformed an old rosebush strip into a nice looking design. She was a joy to work with allowing us to do some plantings that were against her recommendation (placing some desert plants on the same waterline as our 3 year old grapefruit, which we may live to regret!) I would highly recommend using Linda Strader.

August 14, 2017

 

Jackie Means

Linda came highly recommended to us by our neighbors where she had recently transformed their overgrown and aging backyard to a beautiful desert landscape. Her approach to our project was exactly what we were seeking…hummingbird garden, low flow water feature, and an emphasis on native plants. She is a consummate professional and clearly states her commitment to providing designs enhancing low moisture desert loving flora. This was just what we wanted. Her designs (back, front yard and atrium) incorporated all of our requests and much more. Our project was a bit extended over several months and she worked closely with us on suggestions for design changes and additions. She followed up providing numerous resources for enhancing the project. We would recommend Linda to anyone seeking exceptional expertise for their landscaping project.

July 20, 2017

 

 

Blyth and Russ Carpenter

Linda Strader was recommended to us by friends who had taken her classes in landscaping at Green Valley Rec. She is both a landscape architect and a certified arborist. We asked her to choose and place trees and plants that would enhance both our entry and the front of the house. She provided a detailed plan, discussed the choices with us, and supervised the installation. We are delighted with the results!

June 1, 2017

 

 

Gretchen Morgan

I was a newcomer to the Sonoran Desert and Green Valley with a new house and a flat, bare backyard. To learn about the desert plants I took some classes with Linda Strader, Landscape Architect. I was very impressed with her knowledge and design concepts. When my home was ready, I chose her to create a design for my new space. I knew that I wanted an interesting landscape with diverse elements in textures, varying terrain heights and a mix of plants that would attract birds and butterflies. I had no idea how to achieve this nor how it might look. Linda was able to translate what I could verbalize into the most wonderful setting. The first and best compliment was “It looks so natural”. Linda was a joy to work with throughout the planning, design and installation…always so supportive and encouraging. She is both a professional and knowledgeable…a GREAT landscape architect! I highly recommend her for any job large or small.

May 17, 2017

 

David B

Linda was a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She designed our landscape paying attention to our desire for transitioning to an arid space with a variety of cacti and succulents. She was very responsive and developed a plan in a very short period of time due to some time constraints on our part. We felt her fees were very reasonable and we highly recommend her.

May 3, 2017

 

Tom & Ragnhild Adams

We purchased a 30 year old townhome in Green Valley, AZ. I think that the rear landscaping was about the same age. We needed new plants and a new plan. We met Linda Strader through a desert landscape class where she was the instructor. We chose to have her design our bird and butterfly friendly, low maintenance and drought tolerant landscape plan. She understood what we desired in the plan and provided it. She worked with the landscape company during the installation and has followed up to be certain that we are pleased. We would highly recommend Desert Landscape Design.

April 13, 2017

 

Joybperry

We only recently arrived in Arizona, but knew we could (and should) have beautiful, well adapted, water-sipping plantings instead of the “green balls on sticks” on the property we purchased. After attending one of Linda’s classes, I knew I could count on her to design a beautiful, native-plant-loaded landscape, and I was right. Linda listened carefully to our goals and preferences, was very thorough in her preparations, and produced a design that has already enhanced our home and that will only grow more beautiful over time. She worked closely with the landscape contractor before and during the work, and was very responsive and quick with communications. We’re very pleased with our new landscape.

June 28, 2016

 

Katie Luther

My 30 year old yard was tired—black plastic coming to the surface, stones and rocks sliding down slopes, walkway lights broken, etc. etc. Definitely negative “curb appeal.” I took Linda’s “Desert Landscape” class and subsequently hired her to create a plan that met my goals of repair/reconstruction, low maintenance, and low water use. She completed the task in a professional and timely manner (her plans are detailed and easy to read), was responsive to my concerns and “tweaking,” and worked well with my chosen landscape contractor, Earth Adventure Landscape. During the process I contacted her about several details and she was quick to answer. She is a delight to work with. I will recommend her to friends and neighbors, and look forward to working with her in the future to “spruce up” my back yard too.

 

bstephenson24

We purchased a home with overgrown plants and little landscaping creativity. After taking Linda’s landscaping course we hired her to redesign our backyard and front patio. She consulted with us several times to determine our desires for the spaces and she came up with conceptual drawings. We agreed on the final plans and used her suggested contractor to do the work. The results were stunning as the yard has been transformed into a true desert landscape with colorful low water plants and large rocks.

February 1, 2016

 

 

gajpmd

We hired Linda to revamp our overgrown back yard. She really questioned us on our priorities, then designed accordingly. She gave numerous resources to evaluate plants, then helped with choices. We needed plants that flowered Spring and Fall. She accommodated. She made sure our view would not be compromised in later years by our own plants, but had the yard “balanced”. She was constantly helpful and clearly knowledgeable. As I research the plants and evaluate the layout, it is truly exciting to see how she has achieved our goals. We are extremely pleased with her landscape plan, and the work done by the suggested landscape company.

January 12, 2016

 

skybergdrafting

Linda designed our entire yard consisting of the front yard, courtyard, side yard and back patio. We wanted desert friendly and low maintenance plants which Linda provided in her comprehensive plan which she prepared for our review. As a draftsman myself, I cannot say enough about the plans she prepared for us. Her suggestions for the cobalt blue pots, the bench and the arbor were an added bonus! She was with us every step of the way and I could not recommend her more. Green Valley and the surrounding areas is fortunate to have a person so knowledgeable in desert landscape & watering. By all means if you are thinking of doing any landscaping to your property either large or small, contact Linda.

November 25, 2015

 

Joycels

We wanted to re-design and re-landscape both our front and back yard and Linda provided us with a comprehensive plan. She was very helpful with suggesting plants that were low maintenance and native to the region so they would not require a lot of water.

September 30, 2015

 

 

Hgeorgeanderson

After attending Ms. Strader’s course in caring for desert landscaping I asked her to give me a plan for my modest yard. The property had been previously owned and the plantings were old and not particularly healthy. I did not want fire pits, elaborate water features or other doodads. She understood and provided a design that incorporated some existing plants along with other desert-adapted, hummingbird friendly perennials. I have enjoyed working with Ms. Strader. She kept appointments, adjusted to my requests, and completed the work on time. I felt the cost was reasonable. She has continued to stay in contact and has answered the questions that have come up after the planting was finished. Now, more than a year after, the plants are doing well with minimum effort on my part. Who could ask for more?

June 29, 2015

 

eanthes

We met Linda through one of her Desert Landscape classes at the Green Valley Rec. Our project was to transform the front and back yards of our new home. We wanted a design that would provide variety, low maintenance, and reflect the design concepts of the community we live in. Linda provided just what we wanted. She also went the extra distance to assist us with recommendations for a Landscaper to implement the final plan. They worked together well and the end result is a setting that will, as it matures, provide us with much pleasure over the coming years. It was truly a very pleasurable experience. Professional and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the project. We would highly recommend Desert Landscape Design to anyone and be willing to show the completed landscape to anyone interested in a landscape project of this magnitude.

May 21, 2015

 

 

Linda Sanborn

Linda Strader was recommended to me by my neighbor. My neighbor had taken several of Linda Strader’s courses offered in Green Valley. I spoke with Linda about the fact we wanted a low maintenance front and backyard but with color throughout each season. We didn’t want cacti with thorns due to the fact I have a service dog with a short muzzle and was afraid she would chase an insect or lizard into the cacti. Her designs met our needs for our small yard and recommended a great installer. Plans, materials, labor and removal of old Landscape was approximately $16000. Thank you Linda and Earth Adventure Landscaping for a job well done. Our neighbors gave lots of compliments to the finished Landscape!

May 8, 2015

 

lauryscandling

Linda Strader worked with us on two significant projects. One involved the complete design and oversight of a back patio re-construction and planting. Linda was very meticulous, creative, incredibly well-prepared and knowledgeable. She met with us multiple times and provided excellent guidance while being responsive to the changes we requested. She collaborated with the company that completed the brickwork and planting and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The second project involved a long-neglected quarter-acre associated with an investment property we purchased. Linda walked the property on several occasions and provided careful advice on what to preserve. She inventoried the plants and identified that which needed to be removed. We met Linda through an excellent landscaping class she taught. She’s a real pro and recommend her services without reservation.

April 12, 2015

 

Chuckgremel

I am glad I used Linda’s services. She drew a plan of the existing property and expanded the layout to include many valuable enhancing features. Including: designing a privacy wall, a stone river winding thru property and many helpful signatures plants to complete the project. I would certainly use her again for other projects. It was well worth having her ideas as a foundation to starting a proper desert yard.

March 31, 2015

 

palcera

We invited Linda Strader to come to our home for a personal consultation. Because the house that we bought has plantings from the previous owners, we needed help with plant identification. During our consultation Linda answered our long list of questions. In addition to identifying our plants, she also told us how to care for them. She made recommendations for future plant selections, placement and proper drainage. We will follow her professional advice: The right plant for the right place! In the future, when we are ready to do additional planting, Linda will be the professional we call!

March 19, 2015

 

Repflooring

It’s a pleasure to write this review. Our experience with Desert Landscape was exceptionally good. Ms. Strader is the epitome of knowledge, creativity and honesty. We highly recommend her. Dave & Jane, Green Valley, AZ.

March 18, 2015

 

Cindy Holt

Linda designed my backyard, taking it from a high upkeep mess to an easily maintained desert landscape with meandering brick paths and plants appropriate to the space.

March 15, 2015