Business Details
37 Years
experience
Award-Winning Landscaping & Pool Design in Orinda, CA
Garden Lights Landscape has been transforming outdoor spaces in the East Bay since 1989. Our team combines decades of expertise with a passion for creating functional, aesthetically pleasing environments tailored to each client's vision. Specializing in landscape design, pool construction, and outdoor lighting, we bring a comprehensive approach to every project. Our designers and craftsmen collaborate to deliver durable hardscapes, vibrant planting schemes, and innovative water features that enhance property value and usability. With a focus on California Romantic style, we integrate native plants and deer-resistant options to suit local microclimates. Our commitment to quality extends to irrigation systems, drainage solutions, and seasonal maintenance services that ensure long-term beauty.As a licensed C27 & C53 contractor, we maintain affiliations with professional organizations like the California Landscape Contractors Association and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Clients benefit from our hands-on approach, with owner Steve Lambert overseeing projects from concept to completion. Our portfolio showcases over 100 water features and countless award-winning designs that reflect both client preferences and environmental context. This dedication to excellence has earned us recognition as a trusted leader in outdoor space transformation for residential properties across Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Services
Landscape Design
Pool Construction
Outdoor Kitchens
Water Features
Lighting Installation
Hardscape Design
Planting Services
Irrigation Systems
Seasonal Maintenance
Drainage Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in landscape design and installation
- Our team includes certified professionals with specialized training in aquatic design
- We provide comprehensive services covering all aspects of outdoor space development
- Our designs incorporate California-specific plant knowledge and microclimate expertise
- We maintain active memberships in professional organizations like APLD and CLCA
Associations and certifications
- California Contractors License Board (C27 & C53)
- Certified Aquascape Contractor
What people say
Favorite thing about our home
Magnificent transformation
Dedicated tireless crew
Outstanding quality
Personal outdoor living space
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates customized outdoor environments that balance aesthetics with functionality. Combining California Romantic style with practical considerations, we develop plans that incorporate client preferences, local climate conditions, and property characteristics. Our designs integrate plant selection, hardscape elements, and lighting to create cohesive, year-round appealing spaces that enhance property value and usability.
Water Features
We specialize in creating natural-looking water features that serve as captivating focal points. Our expertise includes pond installation, waterfall construction, and pond-less water features that attract wildlife while providing soothing sounds. With over 100 completed projects, our crews carefully select rocks and plants to ensure seamless integration with existing landscapes and maintain clear water systems with minimal maintenance requirements.
Outdoor Lighting
Our low-voltage lighting systems enhance nighttime enjoyment and security while showcasing landscape features. Professional installation includes strategic placement of fixtures to highlight architectural elements, pathways, and plantings. The systems improve property value through enhanced curb appeal and extend outdoor living hours while incorporating energy-efficient solutions that complement both modern and traditional home designs.
Pool Construction
We design and build pools that integrate seamlessly with overall landscape plans. Our approach considers property flow, home architecture, and client lifestyle needs to create functional, aesthetically pleasing water features. Construction includes proper drainage, safety features, and surrounding hardscape elements that create cohesive outdoor entertainment spaces while maintaining visual harmony with the natural environment.
Hardscape Design
Our hardscape services create durable, attractive functional spaces using diverse materials. We design and install patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens using pavers, stone, and concrete selected to match client preferences and environmental conditions. Expert craftsmanship ensures lasting durability while creating visual interest through material combinations and strategic placement that enhances property organization and usability.
People
Steve Lambert
Owner/Designer
With a BA in Landscape Design from Cal Poly and 30+ years of experience, Steve combines creative vision with technical expertise. He holds certifications in aquatic design and landscape lighting, and actively participates in professional organizations including APLD and CLCA.
Juan Ramirez
Construction Foreman
Leading construction teams since 2001, Juan brings over two decades of hands-on experience in executing complex landscape projects with precision and quality craftsmanship.
Flavio Espinoza
Construction Foreman
As a construction foreman since 2004, Flavio oversees project implementation with a focus on maintaining design integrity while ensuring structural durability and functional excellence.
Rich Moore
Construction Foreman
With construction management experience since 2005, Rich specializes in transforming design concepts into reality through expert material selection and skilled team leadership.
Greg Deaner
Maintenance Foreman
Leading seasonal maintenance services since 2006, Greg ensures long-term landscape health through expert pruning, irrigation management, and seasonal adjustments tailored to East Bay climates.
Questions
What types of landscape services do you offer?
We provide full-service landscape solutions including design, hardscaping, planting, irrigation, lighting, water features, pool construction, and seasonal maintenance tailored to East Bay properties.
Do you specialize in specific landscape styles?
Our signature California Romantic style blends English Country Garden elements with native plants and grasses, creating low-maintenance yet visually striking outdoor environments suited to local microclimates.
Are you licensed for pool construction?
Yes, we hold California Contractor's License #702845 covering both landscaping (C27) and pool construction (C53) categories for complete outdoor space development.
How do you handle complex terrain challenges?
Our team specializes in transforming sloped lots through strategic hardscape design and drainage solutions that maximize usable space while maintaining natural aesthetics.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including Lamorinda, Berkeley Hills, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon areas with customized outdoor living solutions.
Can you incorporate outdoor lighting into existing landscapes?
Yes, our low-voltage lighting systems enhance security, safety, and nighttime enjoyment while complementing existing landscape features and architectural elements.
Reviews (1)
M. S.
Nov 09, 2024
Report
Steve Lambert and his team at Garden Lights transformed my backyard, which changed my and my family's life! They also re-did my driveway and landscaping in the front of my house. I had ideas of what I wanted in my yard (hot tub, outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and veggie beds) and Steve helped me figure out where everything would go best. Then he and his team executed it all. They also were nimble enough to make modifications as the plans progressed.
They work very hard and are super-responsive. He has a unique aesthetic, which I love. He's a native of the East Bay and really understands the soil and landscape of our area. Whenever people come over and see my new yard, they immediately ask for a referral to Steve and his team. I can't recommend them highly enough. They are outstanding at what they do.
They work very hard and are super-responsive. He has a unique aesthetic, which I love. He's a native of the East Bay and really understands the soil and landscape of our area. Whenever people come over and see my new yard, they immediately ask for a referral to Steve and his team. I can't recommend them highly enough. They are outstanding at what they do.
