The Grass Is Always Greener Landscape Designs

Julie is the best landscape designer I have ever worked with. She is the balance of pragmatic and creative. A delight to work with and as knowledgable as anyone I have ever met when it comes to planting selection and where to place them. I recommend her highly.

I don't think we can rave enough about Julie! Our project was large and complex. It was a complete makeover of our landscaping. It included a new spa, hardscape, fire pit, and all new plant material with an emphasis on low water use. Julie was both the designer and the project coordinator/manager for us. Her design was outstanding. She worked closely with both of us, and managed to capture a unique design we both loved. It has turned our yard into new living space, where everything works together to form a relaxing private retreat. Not a day goes by that we are not outside in the yard.. Julie was also the coordinator/manager for our project. I think many would be tempted to make the mistake of trying to coordinate their project themselves. With 4 or 5 contractors working over a 3-4 month period, that would have been impossible without Julie there everyday. She handled all immediate issues on site, and followed up with the contractors as needed. She knew exactly when to consult with us about the decisions. I think some might not appreciate how even with a coordinator there is lots to think about and decide. It would have been a nightmare without Julie's professional, focused, and skillful attention. I think it is also worth mentioning that the contractors she found for us were equally outstanding. They were the kind of contractors that really don't need to advertise, and get their jobs mostly by word of mouth. Their prices were competitive, and their work was phenomenal.

Julie Molinare did a wonderful job in working with us from the first visioning conversation, to providing a beautiful design, plant selection, visits to the nurseries and overseeing the installation of our new drought tolerant landscaping. She has continued to monitor the growth of our plants, accuracy of our irrigation system and has provided excellent advice on our long term maintenance. She is a true professional and we are thrilled with the outcome.

Last summer, I met Julie at yoga and I was lamenting how my yard looked terrible with the 2 day/week water restrictions and I was longing for a cottage garden look, but had to come to terms it wasn't in the cards with our drought. Julie, with her gentle patience, convinced me otherwise that she could achieve the look with all drought tolerant plants. I was at first skeptical, thinking long expanses of dirt and cacti, but we gave her a shot and WOW, was she right. We have a very large yard and we redid almost the entire yard. Not only was CLWA happy and we got a full incentive rebate, but now it looks absolutely stunning and will remain that way as it grows in and the water restrictions continue. I now have large, billowy plants, a full orchard, artichoke plants with planter beds, arbors, lots and lots of color and depth and dimension that I didn't think possible in Santa Clarita (yes, I know artichokes and orchards aren't drought tolerant, but the way she irrigated and planned for them make them extremely water efficient). We also have beautiful viewpoints from every angle of the yard - she is very smart and intuitive. Julie has the patience of a saint and is a very, very good listener. She somehow crawled into my head and gave me exactly what I wanted. Her team (Galloway landscaping) was also highly professional, showed up and worked hard every day, got out in 3 weeks (which is a miracle with the size of my yard) and have consistently come back to fix the small tweaks that needed to be adjusted. Julie and her team work seamlessly and their results are fantastic. I would highly recommend them!

Julie knows her stuff.. She came to my house, listened to what we lined and didnt line then figured out how to make my front yard look amazing.

Julie designed a front and side garden for us. I shared my ideas/colors that i liked and she created a design plan, incorporating her expertise and direction. Julie is a highly ethical, professional and friendly person. She was patient with me, as I made a few changes. The team that Julie brought to do the actual "work" is very respectful and honest...clean up afterwards, too! The front and side garden is absolutely beautiful; shrubs, perennials, flowers, carpet roses, lots of vivid colors as requested, rock edging...gorgeous!

Julie Molinaire, the professional designer of The Grass is Always Greener, is enthusiastic, discerning, creative, effective and a joy to work with. She approaches each job (in my case, phases) with an eagerness to meet your goals as if they were her own while managing your expectations regarding cost and time honestly and completely upfront. Her knowledge of landscape materials, both plants and hardscape, is extensive and allows her to specify and source exactly what your project requires. She is an excellent team builder and leader and has a great network of contractors to meet every design (and budget) challenge. I continue to hire Julie for ongoing development of my property. The cool thing about a landscape project is that it continues to evolve - and to have a partner like Julie in the evolution project continues to inspire me!

I highly recommend Julie, owner of The Grass is Always Greener Landscape Designs. I have a simple Condominium patio garden that receives full afternoon sun. I could never keep the plants alive! Julie assisted me with a simple design and appropriate choice of plants. My patio garden is now thriving! It's peaceful and beautiful. Julie is highly skilled, knowledgable, efficient and wonderful to work with.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Julie. First of all our job was considered to be rather small, which didn't change how she felt about us or the importance of the job to us. She came to our home at various times of the day to take photos of how the sun was positioned on certain garden spots. She took us to the nursery so we could actually see the type of plants she was recommending. She provided us with estimates of 3 hardscape contractor that she had worked with and noted the pros and cons of each, leaving the final decision up to us. The job was completed within the timeframe originally established, which is rear. We get so many compliments on her work and are looking forward to working with Julie again on the next few phases of our landscaping. Julie is talented, professional, thorough and on time. We know you will enjoy working with her as much as we did.

My neighbor and I share a front garden. She's an avid gardener (me, not so much) and has been trying to create a cottage garden for several years - often with hit and miss results. Enter The Grass Is Always Greener. What a delight to work with - always creative, professional and eager to be of service. The result is awesome - both of us usually start our day by taking a peak out front to see our beautiful garden - it's absolutely something we couldn't have accomplished on our own. I'm now asking this firm to take a look at my patio and can't wait to see what wonderment she will produce.

We were so lucky to find Julie. Our landscape project had a lot of challenges that were overcome by Julie's knowledge of what plants thrived on hillsides, in acid soil, in the sun, in the shade, in pots, knowing the right variety of the same plant that would not be too big or too small for the spot, and knowing the right color and texture combinations to compliment each plant. Now throw in that we wanted a tropical landscape. Julie not only has the plant knowledge, she knows where she can get the plants. We needed other professionals for our project and her referrals were all great because she only makes referrals of people she has worked with and knows their high standards of workmanship. Julie can be counted on to show up on time and be there to help you make the right choices. We have her come back every year for our fall and spring planting and would highly recommend her to anyone. Wendi and Billy Berndt

Julie Molinare is a gifted designer. I refer her to my interior design clients who want to continue the project to the outdoors because Julie looks to the client’s home architecture and design style in creating a garden that is both beautiful and functional. I highly recommend her for your landscape design project.