Every Garden Has a Story: Behind the Design with Laura Osteen of Secret Garden Landscapes

At Secret Garden Landscapes, we believe outdoor spaces should do more than just look beautiful—they should feel like a true reflection of the people who live in them. Founder and principal designer Laura Osteen sat down for an interview to share her inspiration, her design philosophy, and how California living continues to shape her work. What unfolded was a thoughtful conversation about creativity, connection, and designing with purpose.

Rooted in Intention

For Laura, the journey to starting Secret Garden Landscapes was both personal and purposeful.

“I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of beauty, function, and environmental stewardship,” she says. “My background in environmental remediation really shaped my desire to work with the land, not just on top of it.”

That desire turned into a calling. Laura wanted to create spaces where people could slow down, reconnect with nature, and live more fully outdoors. Secret Garden Landscapes was born from that vision—an invitation to step outside and find your own version of peace, wonder, and sanctuary.

“The name ‘Secret Garden’ is really about that personal connection,” she adds. “It’s about crafting a space that feels just right for you—something a little magical and uniquely your own.”

Designing for the Way You Live

Every project at Secret Garden Landscapes starts the same way: with a conversation.

“We begin by listening,” Laura explains. “We want to understand how our clients live, how they want to live, and what will make them feel most at home in their outdoor space.”

From there, it’s all about layering design principles with the realities of the site—light, grade, architecture, and flow. Laura and her team work collaboratively to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but deeply functional and personal.

“No two clients are the same, and neither are their gardens,” she says. “We’re not about following trends. We’re about designing something that feels authentic to the people we’re designing for.”

The Bay Area Influence

Designing in the Bay Area offers its own set of gifts—and challenges.

“We’re lucky to live in a place where outdoor living is possible almost year-round,” Laura says. “But that also means we have to be smart about drought, micro-climates, and creating spaces that can truly be lived in—season after season.”

Whether it’s managing a steep slope or creating privacy in a densely populated neighborhood, the team at Secret Garden is always thinking about long-term sustainability and how to make the space feel effortless.

“It’s about working with the environment rather than forcing something onto it,” Laura notes. “That’s where the best design happens.”

The Role of Outdoor Furniture

When it comes to completing a space, furniture plays a pivotal role. It’s not just about filling a patio—it’s about shaping the experience.

“We gravitate toward pieces with timeless silhouettes, natural materials, and a palette that complements the landscape—not competes with it,” Laura explains. “Durability is essential, of course, but so is how it feels to use.”

A Garden That Grows With You

One of the most rewarding parts of landscape design is watching a space evolve. For Laura, it’s all about layering evergreen structure with seasonal interest—so something is always in bloom, always drawing you outside.

“We design for longevity and livability,” she says. “We want spaces that feel fresh and inviting all year long, without demanding constant upkeep.”

Her go-to planting palette often includes drought-tolerant natives like

Manzanita, and Ceanothus, paired with grasses and structural evergreens for year-round texture.

Rules Meant to Be Bent

While Laura values design principles like balance and harmony, she’s not afraid to play with convention.

“I love symmetry—it creates a sense of calm. But asymmetry brings movement and visual interest,” she explains. “Some of the most compelling spaces happen when things feel just a little unexpected.”

Ultimately, she believes in designing from a place of intention—not rigid rules.

“It’s not about doing what everyone else is doing. It’s about doing what feels right for you and your space.”

One Simple Way to Elevate Your Outdoor Space

If you’re looking for an easy way to transform your garden this season, Laura has one word: lighting.

“Good lighting changes everything,” she says. “It extends the use of your space into the evening, adds atmosphere, and brings a whole new dimension to the garden. Whether it’s string lights, subtle path lighting, or up-lighting trees—it adds instant magic.”

Design That Tells Your Story

At the end of the day, every landscape tells a story. For Laura Osteen and the team at Secret Garden Landscapes, the most meaningful stories begin with listening—then designing something beautiful, lasting, and uniquely yours.

Ready to start your outdoor transformation? Let’s create a space that feels like home—outside. Reach out to us today to start the conversation.

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