Cal Native Landscaping

Landscaper

When Dave Raphael of Foster City started in this business as a gardener, he noticed that a lot of people would get very frustrated because they could not communicate with the gardener they had, as many gardeners speak little or no English. Since he was born and raised in the Bay Area, he thought he should use a name that made it clear that he spoke English, and that he had grown up here. "Jewish Boy Gardener," though accurate, probably wouldn't work.

So the name Cal-Native was born. This turned out to be a great name for the business, but unfortunately, it gives the impression that we only use plants that are native to California. While we use native plants where possible our primary goal is to create a garden with year-round interest. Read more

3 recommendations

  •  
    Kristi R.

    Shared on yelp.com

    If you want a detailed plan in advance of your project, Dave is probably not the guy for you. He creates as he goes along and often yanks stuff out when it doesn't fit into his vision. … If you don't want people stopping their cars in front of your house taking pictures, knocking on your door with questions, bringing their own landscapers by to try and duplicate Dave's work or (kinda disturbing) sitting uninvited on the various rocks in your front yard, maybe Cal Native is not the way for you to go either. But if you want exquisite results, Dave Raphael and Cal Native will not disappoint. I am thrilled with his work and never get tired of looking out upon our beautiful yard. One of the best decisions we ever made!

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Stacy R.

    Shared on yelp.com

    I love Cal Native! I asked for a garden setting in my backyard, and this company went above and beyond. … Cal Native Landscape team came in and worked at 100% and transformed my backyard into a beautiful "secret garden". Beautiful plant, shrub and tree choices...along with a drip system that will definitely save water. I also thought it was amazing that the butterflies and and humming birds were attracted to my new garden, loved that! I was extremely happy with the daily clean up during the landscape work. I never felt that we were under major reconstruction. I also greatly appreciated the friendly simple tips in keeping this garden looking beautiful. My advice is if you call Dave at Cal Native, trust his judgment in design and plant choice. He is truly an expert in his field.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    L M.

    Shared on yelp.com

    … We had no idea what we wanted we just wanted it to look really nice. Luckily Dave was the perfect guy because he is a creative artist and likes to have freedom with his creative masterpieces. .... Dave is such a perfectionist that he would remove and exchange a plant or tree that he felt did not bring out the best in his work. When he was done I could not believe that this was my house that I was pulling up to after work! …

    It was a no brainer that we decided to let Cal Native do the rest of the front yard. Now our yard looks like a park or the grounds of Disney Land. It is just a site to behold. Cal Native's work is just outstanding and their work runs circles around the others. Thank you Dave for your creative genius and hard work!

    Original recommendation