Creating Beautiful, Sustainable Gardens

“Gardens are multi-faceted extensions of our homes. They can incite wonder and fulfillment and deep serenity and rejuvenation. After over a decade of designing gardens in Montecito, California and Maui, I have been taught by the residing flora and fauna how to respectfully design a garden with both immense beauty and intelligent practicality. My process is to communicate with you, the homeowner, and hear your aspirations for your outdoor space and transcribe that onto paper and then into reality with sincere attention to detail.”

-Natalie S. van Zelm

-Former co-owner of Urban Eco Design landscaping company 2010-2017

- Former Montecito Estate Manager 2004-2010

- Lux Magazine 2015 Gold List Award Winner for Landscape Design

Anthea Garden Design is based on the island of Kauai, but takes projects on Maui and in Santa Barbara county, California.

Natalie did an incredible job designing my garden. She was both thoughtful and knowledgeable in her approach. She asked me what my vision was and truly listened. I said that I was interested in native plants and also incorporating some plants from my existing garden as possible. She then drew up some preliminary designs and we walked around the garden to understand how it would all come together. She chose a beautiful color palette and designed the garden in such a way that there is always something blooming. Her prices are also very reasonable. I would highly recommend Natalie to design a beautiful garden!


Carol G.

a white bench sitting under a tree in a park
a white bench sitting under a tree in a park

★★★★★