We met Susan from Creative Exteriors Landscape Design when we were enjoying the Walnut Creek Garden Tour a few years ago. She was very friendly and engaging when we met her and we subsequently saw a few of the gardens she had designed while on the tour. When we finally made the decision to update our front and back yards from grass to drought tolerant plant, we met with Susan to discuss what we were looking for. I wanted to have a "desert-scape" look, with a gravel mulch or base, in the front yard and my wife, Mary, wanted a colorful backyard filled with all the color and all of the flowers that we could plant! We were also adding a large 15' x 20' covered patio area to our existing covered patio area and adding additional aggregate patio under the new covered area. We also wanted to add a circular brick patio and fire pit to the back yard in an area that was currently lawn. Susan definitely understood the assignment and went right to work! She took photos of the existing front and back yards and produced a beautiful plan that met both of our desires. We tweaked a few things along the way and Susan helped us make our dream backyard a reality. She recommended a couple of landscape companies to bid on the job and we chose, Steve Gardell of Gardelle Construction to do the job. They were great to work with. Their entire team was amazing! Susan remained in contact during the construction and actually was onsite the day that the plants were delivered to make sure they were placed correctly. When we had concerns a few weeks later about a few of the plant choices we had made, she cheerfully guided us in replacing three or four plants with new varieties that she and my wife picked out. It's been a few months now since everything was finished and we could not be happier! I'm attaching some before and after pics for your review. All of the pictures that have lawn/grass in them are the before picks. If you're contemplating a landscape project, we could not recommend Suan any higher. Please contact her. You will not be sorry! read more

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Confessions of a design snob: those strong opinions extend to garden and landscape design. So, in 2005, when we had enough of the juniper and pyracantha dominating the landscape of the original ranch home we had purchased a few years earlier, we started searching for a landscape designer. Of course, landscape architects and designers abound in our neck of the woods. Most were uninspiring. Many offered a "signature" design that they rubber-stamped upon every garden. As if gardens can be purchased off-the-rack. I can't quite recall how we found Susan, but I am so glad we did! She was collaborative, listened carefully to the vision of my land plan, and introduced a sophisticated plant palette that not only worked with my preferences but also the unique conditions of our property. The plant palette flowered and peaked throughout the seasons, introducing visual variety all year long. She helped us select a landscape contractor, showed up at important milestones to ensure that our collective vision was implemented, and helped me spend our limited budget wisely (we acquired a few 15-gallon trees, splurged on key 5-gallon anchor shrubs and 1-gallons; but saved money by purchases dozens upon dozens of 4-inch plants that I installed myself ... after after work, in the dark, with a headlamp on). The prior property owners never installed drainage and therefore caused the soil to be a sodden, stinky, clay-ey mess devoid of nutrients. So the new plants took a few years to establish. Five years later, the garden was drop-dead gorgeous and extraordinary - not only to behold but to enjoy. More importantly, Susan and I had such a fantastic time working together that we've kept in touch for the past 14(!) years ... and adapted the garden (through "garden refreshes") as our needs changed. Our continued collaboration allowed us to enjoy the garden as it evolved from the pristine weekend destination of a gardening enthusiast to a relaxed outdoor space that accommodates family gatherings, a play structure, games, and soccer nets. I have and will continue to recommend Susan to any one who will listen! read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more