our mission
We utilize lush plantings and simple forms to create dynamic and sculptural environments that integrate landscape, art and nature.
Design matters.
At Uncommon Gardens we strive to create biodiverse habitats while exploring contemporary and sustainable garden practices.
Using drought-tolerant native and nonnative plantings, the reimagining of existing structures, and the creation of dynamic forms from simple materials, we create thoughtful, meditative environments that resonate with contemporary Napa Valley.
sustainability
Our modern, sustainable design integrated with existing structures, trees, and terrain result in a biodiverse habitat attractive to birds, butterflies and humans.
To create biodiverse habitats while exploring contemporality, sustainability, and empathetic design.
These are our goals.
This means that we aim to design landscapes that are responsive to the environment, regenerative, and can actively contribute to the development of healthy communities.
We strive to reduce water usage, help clean the air and water, restore habitats, and create value through designs that reflect what is best about contemporary Califonia.
We work with our clients and contractors to create innovative gardens that outline a path to sustainable future practice.
services
Design, consultation, and coordination – from urban courtyards, to commercial spaces, to residences of all sizes.
what we do.
Uncommon Gardens is a full service landscape design firm offering high level master plan design, detailed site design, garden consultation, landscape painting and illustration, and digital media including 3D presentations. An open dialogue between site, client, and designer is integral to our design principles.
We utilize lush plantings and simple forms to create dynamic and sculptural environments that integrate landscape, art and nature.
Landscape Design and Planning:
- Site Master Planning
- Landscape Site Design (from Conceptualization to Construction Documentation)
- 3D Digital Modeling
- Construction Coordination
- Project Visioning, story telling, consultations
Illustrative + Digital Media:
- Comprehensive illustration and design renderings
- Hand drawn and Computer aided sketches
- Virtual Reality project tours
- Animated Multi-media Presentations
- Hand drawn architectural and landscape paintings
Sustainability:
- Fire wise planning and consultation
- Lawn replacement and reduction planning
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Climate positive design and consultation
- Seventh generational thinking.
our story
…if you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
Marcus Tullis Cicero
BRUCE HOLLISTER
Principal and founder of Uncommon Gardens.
Bruce’s background is in fine arts and film production design.
His fine arts focus is in drawing and painting – with post baccalaureate work at UC Santa Cruz and the International School of Art in Todi, Italy working under Nicolas Carone.
After pursuing a 20 year career in television and film, Bruce started collaborating with his friend and landscape architect Nick Tan to create dynamic and sculptural landscapes for residential and commercial properties.
His background in art and design, combined with his experience in the fast paced and demanding field of television production, ensures project management that is resourceful, timely, and professional.
Moving to the Napa Valley and purchasing a home with his wife Alison, a wine maker and artist, only solidified his conviction that working with clients to create their gardens can help restore biodiverse habitats while exploring design that is interesting, sustainable, and contemporary.
Designs begin by hand – sketching onsite to better integrate the natural and planted landscape into a cohesive whole.