What Makes Monarch Gardens Stand Out

Monarch Gardens, originally founded in 1994 as CM Design, is a locally owned and operated landscaping business based in Marin County, CA. Led by husband and wife team Dave and Carolyn Anderson, we combine deep horticultural knowledge with expert space planning to bring your outdoor vision to life. As a licensed landscape design/build company, we stay at the forefront of industry trends, innovations, and environmental issues while always considering the unique climates and habitats of the area.

We pride ourselves on our dedication to communicating clearly with regard to options, materials, estimates, and scheduling. We are dedicated to offering responsive and thoughtful service, which is why we enjoy long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Before Monarch Gardens got its name, we were already operating as a landscape design company. The butterfly had always been part of our logo, but we wanted a new name. At the same time, we were entrusted with creating a truly exceptional beachfront garden for one of our clients.

To attract Monarch butterflies, we strategically planted milkweed and other butterfly-friendly plants throughout the garden. It didn’t take long for the butterflies to arrive, and one day, while working in the garden, our client’s daughter discovered over 50 chrysalises attached to various spots throughout the yard.

That moment sparked an “a-ha” realization. Much like the butterfly’s life cycle—from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly—the gardens we design undergo their own transformative cycle, evolving from vision to reality, growing with time, and harmonizing with our clients’ lifestyles.

The Monarch butterfly perfectly embodies our dedication to the environment. As an indicator species, Monarchs are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings, making them one of the first to show signs of environmental decline. When their numbers dwindle, it’s often a warning of an unhealthy or unstable ecosystem. The presence of Monarchs, however, signals a thriving, balanced environment, highlighting the importance of a healthy ecosystem for all living creatures.

The driving force behind starting our business was the desire to create positive change for the environment. In a world where natural degradation is an ongoing issue, we believe that every small action counts. By conserving and restoring natural resources, we can make a meaningful difference. Through our business, we practice organic gardening, select plants that thrive in their natural environments, and educate both our clients and the community.

By creating safe, sustainable habitats, we aim to reverse some of the harm caused by environmentally harmful practices. Contact us today to ask any questions or schedule a consultation, and let’s work together to transform your space into a beautiful, sustainable garden for today and the future.