As is common with many older landscapings, this project had been completely landscaped years ago, but had declined with age and lack of maintenance. For this back yard in San Rafael, the client was looking for something that would feature more usable space, entertaining areas, and updated plantings.

Great experience working with O’Connell Landscape! They did a great job from beginning to end in dramatically changing our backyard.

Michael was great through all phases of our major backyard project – planning, budgeting, execution and follow up. It was really helpful working with the same company through all phases – no opportunity for surprises or blame games between design and build.

Michael gave us good guidance on budgeting, showing us how to get the best bang for the buck in materials, and executed well on that plan.

We are very happy with the results and would recommend them highly…

-Bridget & Scott Ryan, San Rafael

We received a nice note from Jim at Bradanini and Associates Landscape Architecture. We worked with Jim installing a large custom residential landscape in Kentfield.

O’Connell Landscape is an excellent landscape contractor who did a fabulous job installing a large and challenging landscape project for my Clients in Marin County. The project was multi-faceted and required considerable coordination with the General Contractor, Sub-Contractors, Owners and Architects over a 7- month period. Michael is very knowledgeable in all aspects of landscape construction, and very experienced in suggesting ways to economize but not cut quality. I would highly recommend O’Connell Landscape and look forward to many more collaborations.   

-Jim Bradanini, Bradanini & Associates

Project photos on Houzz from  Bradanini & Associates

This project in Penngrove suffered from overgrown and outdated plantings combined a drip irrigation system in need of work. We installed new plantings for planting areas throughout the large lot in the front and back yards, improving the entry and impact of the landscaped spaces.

The services were professional, on time and delivered as planned.  The project was always kept clean and well managed.  The value was excellent.  Michael O’Connell knew exactly how to meet our needs and always had sage advice as to what plants were best suited for our weather and soil conditions.  As a landscaper he is an artist.

-Cece & Monte Bible, Penngrove

This phased implementation of a back yard master plan started with the removal of an existing fiberglass swimming pool, replaced with a new Bocce Court and gravel pathway. The new space focuses on different entertaining areas, with the Bocce court as the focal point.

Thank you for your work on the Bocce Court, my girlfriends love it!

We received this note from a client who is an architect after a project proposal.

Sorry that I haven’t piped in yet, but thank you for the thorough presentation and terrific material you left us. We will be reviewing everything this weekend but it’s a real treat to receive such a complete and educational proposal. I know first-hand how much effort goes into what you put together and it reflects very well on your company.

This new home in Novato combined several elements into a complete back yard installation. Situated with great views of the sweeping San Marin hills, the design for the project incorporated distinct areas- main new deck, new patio with pergola, access pathways up and down hillsides, and a vegetable garden and Japanese inspired zig-zag boardwalk.

O’Connell Landscape has an excellent team of designers, plant specialists, and experienced employees. They communicate well and completed our landscape efficiently and  in a very reasonable time. Our backyard is really beautiful and we are enjoying it already.
-Susan and Jeff Schlosser, Novato

This project was a complete reworking of a front and back yard, with new stamped concrete driveway, entry pathway and rear patio. In the back yard we installed a new arbor and revamped an old lawn with new plantings and pathways.

 We were very pleased with O’Connell Landscape, from our first meeting with Michael to the completed project of our frontyard, backyard and driveway.  Michael was able to take our vision and with his expertise in landscape design exceeded our expectations for our project.  The crew was great, they were always on time and at the end of each workday the work areas were straightened and ready for the following day.  We had a lot of cement work done and were very pleased with the concrete contractor’s skill with color and design.

We appreciated the landscape drawings that Michael prepared which helped us visualize what the project would look like at completion. The informational booklet that Michael put together for the types and care of the many different plants and trees is proving to be very helpful.
-Ed & Diane Landman, Petaluma

We just completed this back yard project in Petaluma, which transformed an existing paver patio with more space, a seat wall, and BBQ island with bar seating. The BBQ island utilized natural stone veneer panels and large Indian Sandstone natural stone slabs for the countertop.

We could not have been more pleased with our backyard remodel, which consisted of replanting our vegetable bed with non-toxic wood, extending our patio, building a seat wall and putting in a built in BBQ.  O’Connell landscape was responsive to our questions throughout. The project was completed on budget and in the time frame promised. The few issues we raised were promptly addressed to our satisfaction. The crew was onsite everyday, was polite and left the job in clean condition each evening. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them.
-Michael & Stacey Wenzel, Petaluma

This project in Corte Madera had the advantage that many lots in Marin lack, flat usable space. We took the existing back yard, which had only a small old patio and had been cut up with fencing and old landscaping, and transformed it with a new redwood deck, bluestone patio with integrated firepit, and large lawn with subsurface irrigation.

From the moment we selected O’Connell Landscape this was a worry free project. We especially appreciated being able to collaborate with our project team face to face and via email (with pictures!). And, the end result is gorgeous!

-Laura and Rusty Von Waldburg, Corte Madera

This project took an existing hillside and transformed into a natural extension of the existing more formal. We used several tons of boulders and a dry stream bed along with ornamental grass and a native bent grass meadow to create a garden that blends with the open space around it.

My wife and I would be delighted to refer O’Connell Landscape to anyone and know they would have as good an experience and outcome as we did. We’re proud of the finished project, especially in the sense that what Michael has created for us incorporates all the elements we had in mind but had difficulty visualizing without his help and complete conceptual plan.

For the bid or proposal process in particular, I especially liked Michael’s approach of packaging the proposal so that we could pick and choose those features we had prioritized. It made the decisions much easier.

My wife and I agree the design and outcome was even better than our expectations. We’re very pleased.

-Mike and Sharon Morgan, Petaluma

See updated photos of the garden 1 year later
Project Video

This project took a difficult hillside property in Petaluma and transformed it with a new entrance, dry stream bed, access path and low water use garden.

O’Connell Landscaping completed a wonderful project for us.  The finished design exceeded our expectations.  Construction went as planned in spite of the weather and the difficult terrain!  Every detail was attended to whether it was specifically stated in the contract or not. The crew was meticulous in their work, pleasant to be around and were not at all imposing. Communication was consistent and all questions were addressed immediately.  We are pleased with the outcome, pleased with the service we received and pleased with the ease of construction. -Maureen & Frank, Petaluma

We completed this project last fall, transforming an unused small back yard into something special with a new stone patio, plantings, and water feature as a focal point.

O’Connell Landscaping helped make the project a satisfying experience by providing a timely estimate, submitting a clear explanation of work items in the agreement, and flexible times to meet and discuss changes/additions during the project.  Their work crew were on time and completed stages of the job efficiently.  I am very happy with the quality of the products they installed. -Lorrie, Petaluma

This project in Petaluma took a back yard with a small existing concrete patio and developed a large paver patio with more usable area for entertaining and better access for the owner’s dogs. Planter beds were used to soften existing fencing and as foundation plantings. We used Sonoma Blend McNear Pavers and matching Versa-lok and integrated this with a large compacted gravel alleyway area with brown pathway fines that coordinated well.

Installation details were important here. Gopher wire was installed underneath the compacted gravel and driveway Turf Block to prevent disturbance, and all perimeters of the patio were set in mortared solider courses for good long term stability.

O’Connell Landscape did a great job of designing a yard that is both dog friendly and beautiful. Our requirements were rather unique with 4 dogs. The crew showed up early and worked hard 5 days a week for 5 weeks. There was a minimum of disruption during the process and we are very happy with the results. – Mike and Cherri Scannell, Petaluma

We recently volunteered with Petaluma Bounty to help design the new Arroyo Community Garden, creating a design, layout, and material plan from the project. The garden is in the process of being constructed at the Living Word Lutheran Church in Petaluma. You can read the latest happenings at the Arroyo Community Garden Blog.

Dear Virginia,

We want to thank you and O’Connell Landscape for so generously providing many hours of your time developing and presenting professional plans for the layout and materials list for the Arroyo Community Garden. This weekend we are completing the boxes, filling with soil and planting our vegetables and flowers. We hope you will swing by and see the progress and know that you are appreciated for your wonderful contribution. On behalf of Arroyo Community Garden and the many community members that your contribution supports— thank YOU!

With appreciation,

MaryAnn Kendall
Arroyo Volunteer Garden Team

See a time lapse Video from one of the work days on the garden:

We finished this project this past winter to makeover the front yard of this Novato home. The design incorporated two bluestone pathways to a front landing that was surfaced with solid bluestone. Around a large existing redwood a dry laid wall was built, with another at the front of the house for a raised planter.

“Construction work of any kind always brings challenges. O’Connell Landscape makes the process enjoyable as they are so responsive to questions and concerns.”

-Pam Russo, Novato

Small gardens present unique opportunities and challenges. A smaller area means more richer detail can be incorporated into the design. At the same time small spaces need to be scaled appropriately. We transformed this small back yard into a usable extension of the lower living room of this condominium.

I was very pleased with the entire process. They helped me work with the condo board to get the project approved, were timely and responsive to my needs. And I love the finished project.

-Antoinette Nies, Corte Madera

This project in Napa took an older garden that hadn’t been updated since the home’s construction and integrated an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and redesigned swimming pool into a new outdoor entertaining space.

“Thank you for the great work you did on our outdoor entertaining area. My husband and I feel like we are in our own private resort every time we step into the back yard, and our guests have raved about the transformation. I especially appreciate the time and effort your firm put into developing and managing all the details of a complicated project. We are delighted with the results.” -Susan, Napa

 

As a designer who values working through a team approach, I had the pleasure of collaborating with O’Connell Landscape recently on a project located on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, California.  I found the company, including Michael O’Connell and his team of workers, professional, responsive, and competent.  The job, which required installing a hillside retaining wall, elevated deck, large patio, outdoor kitchen and fireplace; in addition to a drainage system, landscaping and irrigation, were completed in a thorough, timely manner.  The O’Connell team was always pleasant and cooperative to work with and all members genuinely seemed to care about the project and it’s successful completion.  Michael O’Connell was well prepared and extremely organized at meetings and paid great attention to detail throughout the process.  He was a respectful and enthusiastic team player which made my experience a very positive one in collaborating on this project.  I highly recommend O’Connell Landscape in terms of construction on exterior hardscape and landscape projects.

-Linda Applewhite, Linda Applewhite & Associates

Sometimes there’s one section of the yard that just isn’t right. That was the case with this project in the Dominican neighborhood of San Rafael. Prior landscape work had been done in the back yard, but an old brick wall and fence needed to be replaced. We installed a distinct new fence and gates, combined with a Versa-lok retaining wall to help control the hillside and create new planter space.

Working with O’Connell Landscape was a very professional and creative experience.  We took a very “ugly” corner of my property and made it a garden-lover’s delight!  Thanks for all of your efforts!

-Juliene Conway, San Rafael