How We Work
If you’re gathering bids, comparing prices, shopping around, or looking for someone to install finished landscaping plans, Cal-Native is probably not the right fit.
Why?
Because Cal-Native has never - and will never - work from plans.
After more than 40 years of building gardens on the Peninsula, with hundreds of our signs out front, I made a decision about ten years ago: at this point in my career, we only take on projects from people who already know our work and can recognize a Cal-Native garden when they see one - not a copycat.
When that’s the case, which it almost always is, everything goes faster and smoother. No persuading. No explaining. No driving clients around. We get right to shaping the garden and scheduling.
We do both landscaping and hardscaping, including driveways, decks, fences, fire pits, waterfalls, outdoor kitchens, and more.
We build real gardens - spaces you can walk through and use. Meandering pathways, sitting areas - sometimes what people call a “hidden garden.” A garden should be more than just something beautiful to look at.
Also, something to keep in mind - there are a lot of contractors out there who are great at building. Most of them can build just about anything. But every now and then, they present themselves as landscapers. Be careful - building and creating a garden are not the same thing.
And once again, to make things easier for everyone, we only take on clients who already know our work and can recognize a Cal-Native garden.
Minimum: $75,000
About Our Name
When Dave started out as a gardener, he kept hearing the same thing — homeowners often struggled to communicate with the person working in their yard. So he chose a name that made one thing clear right away: he was local — and easy to communicate with.
The name Cal-Native was born — not because we only use native plants, but because it reflects who we are.
And honestly, if we only used native plants, it might put you to sleep.
Dave, probably thinking of Bonanza
A note from Dave, founder of Cal-Native
Hi folks - before you reach out, a quick heads-up:
There’s a good chance you’ve never worked with anyone quite like me.
If you prefer things very formal, have the personality of a parking meter, or if Larry David isn’t your style…we’re probably not a great fit.
Most people find my directness refreshing - some even think it’s funny. Either way, it works…most of the time.
I’m not a yes-man. If something looks wrong, I’ll say it. I enjoy talking with my clients - just not twenty-minute stories that could put a room full of insomniacs into a deep sleep. My attention span is somewhere between a goldfish and a piece of kelp.
I’m 63 (at the time of writing this). I’ve never seen snow. Never danced. Never had a cup of coffee. Never tasted alcohol. And I’ve never been barefoot in public - not once. (Swim class? I wore socks. Still not kidding.)
I deal with misophonia. I also know nothing about politics - it just makes good people say bad things.
Guitars and fishing - that’s it.
That’s all you need to know.