As owner and principal designer for Creative Exteriors Landscape Design, my philosophy is simple: to create unique and sustainable gardens that match each client's lifestyle. Because choosing the right designer for your project is an important decision, in addition to a project gallery, this site includes information on the design process, as well as offering a free guide to preparing for an initial consultation. In search of a little garden inspiration? View my media page for links to articles and podcasts or speaker page for a description of current talks.
Services
Susan's design process encompasses all aspects of the garden, including hardscape elements like patios and pathways, plant material, hydrozone planning and lighting design. While your design experience may vary depending on the scope and complexity of your project, most follow these basic steps. This meeting is an opportunity to tour your existing landscape and to determine requirements and objectives. This is a working session, and Susan will provide specific ideas on how your new landscape can be laid out.
A GardenComm silver award winner, The Less is More Garden is packed with design strategies uniquely suited to smaller spaces, including detailed breakdowns of successful garden layouts, targeted plant lists and real-life ideas for making a small garden feel larger. Beyond maximizing space, the book shows you how to incorporate the crucial elements that make a small space stand out-from scent, movement and color to planting strategies that ensure a garden shines in every season.Filled with design tips, plant ideas and over 200 photos, Garden Up!
Author of the award-winning The Less is More Garden, Big Ideas for Your Small Yard, East Bay landscape designer Susan Morrison is passionate about gardens large and small. Her designs have been featured in various publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, East Bay Times, Fine Gardening and Cottages and Bungalows.
Reviews (5)
Jon B.
Dec 29, 2019
Susan Morrison of Creative Exteriors provided a wonderful design for a neglected and unimaginative front and rear yard for a home we recently purchased in Concord. She seemed to understand exactly what we had in mind and prepared a design including plant selections, plant placement, irrigation, pathway, and lighting that have transformed the landscape into an inviting, tranquil space that has added so much to our home.
Her knowledge of plant species and their color and texture and suitability for our climate, and her skills with appropriate plant and tree placement and irrigation and lighting design are truly impressive. We couldn't be happier with the result.
Her knowledge of plant species and their color and texture and suitability for our climate, and her skills with appropriate plant and tree placement and irrigation and lighting design are truly impressive. We couldn't be happier with the result.
Terrie T.
Nov 04, 2019
I am so excited with the new yard that Susan designed for us. It is absolutely what our vision was. Susan addressed our needs and wants and designed a backyard oasis for us. She was quick to answer questions and made adjustments as needed. She recommended a landscape company for us that was absolutely awesome to work with, (Green team landscaping) and she coordinated with them thru out the project.
When a few issues came up she quickly adjusted to work with the space. We had a need to make sure all the plants where non toxic to dogs and went above and beyond making sure all of the plants where safe. The landscape incorporates native and low water needs, lighting, water system, and a gorgeous hardscape layout. Yard feels so much larger than what we started with and the flow around the house is amazing. I highly recommend Susan for your landscape needs.
When a few issues came up she quickly adjusted to work with the space. We had a need to make sure all the plants where non toxic to dogs and went above and beyond making sure all of the plants where safe. The landscape incorporates native and low water needs, lighting, water system, and a gorgeous hardscape layout. Yard feels so much larger than what we started with and the flow around the house is amazing. I highly recommend Susan for your landscape needs.
Linda E.
May 09, 2019
I simply cannot say enough wonderful things about Susan Morrison! We had been searching for a landscape designer and met a few, but they were either highly overpriced, non-communicative, or only wanted to design a front yard full of plants we could eat (no thanks, our vegetable garden is in the backyard). Within a few minutes of meeting Susan, we knew we had found the perfect designer.
She listened, offered suggestions, was patient through our indecision, and respectful of our time and our budget. She designed a beautiful yard with unique plants, being mindful of our direct sun exposure and ensuring our yard doesn't look like everyone else's in the neighborhood. She graciously accepted late changes in the plans and reworked details far beyond what we expected.
The day the plants arrived, she was there to meet the truck, help unload (saving us $$$), taking inventory of the delivery and inspecting the quality of each plant (she sent one back because she didn't think it looked healthy enough and might not be viable). She then spent more time placing each of the 87 plants in the exact spot they were to be planted, ensuring what was planned on paper translated as well in person. I would (and have) recommend Susan to all of my friends and family. She is an absolute gem to work with and her knowledge and experience is bar none.
She listened, offered suggestions, was patient through our indecision, and respectful of our time and our budget. She designed a beautiful yard with unique plants, being mindful of our direct sun exposure and ensuring our yard doesn't look like everyone else's in the neighborhood. She graciously accepted late changes in the plans and reworked details far beyond what we expected.
The day the plants arrived, she was there to meet the truck, help unload (saving us $$$), taking inventory of the delivery and inspecting the quality of each plant (she sent one back because she didn't think it looked healthy enough and might not be viable). She then spent more time placing each of the 87 plants in the exact spot they were to be planted, ensuring what was planned on paper translated as well in person. I would (and have) recommend Susan to all of my friends and family. She is an absolute gem to work with and her knowledge and experience is bar none.
Marylou F.
Aug 01, 2018
After completing a major remodel of our house, our yard wasn't there anymore. Much cement, debris and excess dirt remained. Our new remodel very much overlooks our back yard so we wanted it to be beautiful. Enter Susan. She was great at really listening to what we liked, how we lived, and what we wanted. I really went on faith that her design would look great.
I am not the best and visualizing the end product. Susan recommended a couple landscapers and we chose Fred who did a great job. Today we have a gorgeous back yard! We have beautiful stone planters in our stairs, patios, walkways, and a curved stone bench! One patio has a compass rose in the middle of the patio. Great design! Can't wait to see all the plants grow and fill in.
It is truly stunning. The lights at night are cozy and warm! Most of the plants are on a drip system which will help us save water in our very windy climate. Thanks to Susan for choosing good plants for this climate and creating truly inviting spaces. Anyway, it was easy working with Susan and Fred. The project turned out better than I ever thought it could. We recommend them both highly. Oh yes, and probably most important to me, honest and fair people.
I am not the best and visualizing the end product. Susan recommended a couple landscapers and we chose Fred who did a great job. Today we have a gorgeous back yard! We have beautiful stone planters in our stairs, patios, walkways, and a curved stone bench! One patio has a compass rose in the middle of the patio. Great design! Can't wait to see all the plants grow and fill in.
It is truly stunning. The lights at night are cozy and warm! Most of the plants are on a drip system which will help us save water in our very windy climate. Thanks to Susan for choosing good plants for this climate and creating truly inviting spaces. Anyway, it was easy working with Susan and Fred. The project turned out better than I ever thought it could. We recommend them both highly. Oh yes, and probably most important to me, honest and fair people.
Sylvia C.
Jul 17, 2014
Susan Morrison is the owner and designer. She is well known and editor in chief of The Designer magazine. I called her to get to know her more and understand the process. I asked a her a few questions, including if she had any gardens she has designed that I could take a look. She immediately said she was not going to give me any references unless she was sure I was going to hire her.
How am I going to decide if I don't hear feedback from past customers? She then said that she was starting to feel that we may not be a good fit, because I am not 100% sure of her abilities. I have never worked with her before and never embarked on a landscape design project. I think it is reasonable to ask her capabilities. Despite these red flags, I still "bowed down" to her and said I wanted to meet with her (and pay her for the first consultation).
I was blinded by her fame and didn't listen to my heart. So a day before we are to meet, she sends me an email (not even a phone call) and said that she thought more and did not feel we are a good fit and cancelled the meeting. She may be great and famous, but very arrogant and does not like to be asked of her skill. I was very sincere and really trying to understand her work as her fees are not cheap.
She charges $100/hour and most work range from $2500 to $4000 for a design. She turned cold when I ask for references. I want someone who would listen since it will be my garden and not someone who thinks she is great and her design cannot be questioned.
How am I going to decide if I don't hear feedback from past customers? She then said that she was starting to feel that we may not be a good fit, because I am not 100% sure of her abilities. I have never worked with her before and never embarked on a landscape design project. I think it is reasonable to ask her capabilities. Despite these red flags, I still "bowed down" to her and said I wanted to meet with her (and pay her for the first consultation).
I was blinded by her fame and didn't listen to my heart. So a day before we are to meet, she sends me an email (not even a phone call) and said that she thought more and did not feel we are a good fit and cancelled the meeting. She may be great and famous, but very arrogant and does not like to be asked of her skill. I was very sincere and really trying to understand her work as her fees are not cheap.
She charges $100/hour and most work range from $2500 to $4000 for a design. She turned cold when I ask for references. I want someone who would listen since it will be my garden and not someone who thinks she is great and her design cannot be questioned.
