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Exploring Life & Business with Nicole WOODLING of Woodling Landscape Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole WOODLING.

Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have an academic background in interdisciplinary environmental science and conservation biology. I was always fascinated by the interconnectedness of the natural world. I had some really boring science jobs in my 20s and realized that I needed to incorporate creativity and entrepreneurship with my science training and love of biology and plants. I also started to understand the importance of nature in grounding ourselves and gardens as sanctuaries. When my kids were really young, I explored all of the facets of what I wanted to include in my career and realized landscape design was a perfect fit. After a fantastic apprenticeship, I started my own landscape design and consulting business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Funny question. I don’t think many aspects of a fullfilling life are necessarily smooth roads. Self-employment has plenty of challenges including fluctuating workflow and continually needing to figure out how to read and communicate effectively with many different clients. However, creating beauty in the world is very rewarding, and my flexible schedule allows me a lot of freedom in life. Challenge always creates growth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Woodling Landscape Design?
Woodling Landscape Design is a boutique landscape design studio based in Santa Cruz. I work throughout the Central Coast and Bay Area to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional, and thoughtfully integrated with both the architecture and the organic landscape.

What I love most about landscape design is that it blends art, science and psychology. I’m fascinated by how our environments and the spaces we inhabit influence our well-being and the way we experience our daily lives.

I’m known for creating clean, contemporary landscapes with an organic feel and for my extensive knowledge of California and Mediterranean plants.

Over the years, I’ve become increasingly interested in how thoughtful design can create a sense of calm and contemplation. To me, the best landscapes help people feel more present and connected.

What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my work throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I’m also broadening the services my studio offers by adding irrigation and hydraulic design, allowing me to provide more comprehensive solutions for clients. Another goal is to collaborate with more architects early in the design process, creating landscapes that are seamlessly integrated with both the architecture and the surrounding site from the very beginning.

Contact Info:

Woman arranging a floral display with roses and greenery at a table in an indoor setting.

Woman with long blonde hair holding a landscape painting, standing indoors near a window, smiling.

Backyard garden with a hammock, colorful flowers, and outdoor seating area, enclosed by a wooden fence and greenery.

Modern house with large windows, stone wall, and landscaped front yard with grass and plants.

Front entrance of a house with stairs, surrounded by green bushes and plants, white exterior walls, and a wooden door.

Sloped garden with plants, trees, and stairs leading up, adjacent to a house with a tiled roof and patio.

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