Eileen Kelly, Founder and Lead Landscape Designer

​Following a successful career in advertising, Eileen pursued her lifelong affinity for plants and design, and in 2006 formed Dig Your Garden Landscape Design, located in San Anselmo, Marin County, CA. Extensively trained in horticulture and architectural landscape design, as well as environmental landscaping studies at Merritt College and the College of Marin, Eileen is also a graduate of the Bay Friendly Training Certification Program (now Rescape California), an organization committed to eco-friendly and sustainable landscaping practices. Completed the QWEL program for water efficiency. A member of the APLD, the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and an honored recipient of:
A 2021 "Silver Award" and a 2020 "Gold Award" for the APLD International Landscape Design Awards Program that
honors excellence in landscape design! 

The 2021 award-winning project: Serene Outdoor Living Amongst the Oaks
The 2020 award-winning project: Tranquil Water-Side Sanctuary landscape

Eileen's clients share praises for her innovative and creative design solutions, combined with her collaborative spirit,  keen listening and communications skills, delivery of excellent service and attention to detail. Eileen's designs span sleek and modern spaces to calm and restful zen-inspired environments as well as those with a more traditional aesthetic.  ​

Our Philosophy and Vision

Our primary goal is the creation of thoughtful, functional and creative outdoor living environments that address each client’s lifestyle and wishes, while incorporating sustainable and ecologically responsible landscape practices. In tandem with managing our client's budgetary and scheduling wishes.
 
Establishing a clear vision is an important step in the design process. That, and a thorough understanding and adherence to the  goals and scope of the project to achieve a successful result. Each landscape design approach we propose considers the architecture and unique characteristics of the residence, surroundings, the natural ecology as well as the birds, bees and butterflies. We incorporate plants that are site-appropriate, have low-water needs are low-maintenance and provide year-round color, texture and beauty.  
 
Throughout the process Eileen encourages collaboration with her clients and all team members that are involved in the landscape design and installation phase, to ensure the landscape's long-term success. Our ultimate goal is to bring happiness to each and every client by creating thoughtfully-designed outdoor living environments that provide enjoyment and beauty throughout the seasons, and thrive year after year. Read some of our happy client's praises.

Affiliations, Writing and Speaking Engagements

A current member, and former Board Member, of The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), Eileen is often a featured speaker at various events that included the 2015 PG&E San Francisco Water Conservation Summit, where she spoke about "lawn replacement design strategies".
​
She's been a featured speaker at The Garden Conservancy Event "Creating Great Plant Combinations" and was invited to KGO radio to be interviewed by Ryan Scott to speak about sustainable landscape design techniques and practices.
​
Eileen is a contributing writer for Houzz.com and has written various articles covering fire safe landscaping practices and other informative landscape and plant related features and topics. 
Visit our Buzz page to learn more.