Secret Gardens - San Jose, California

Lois Huang

I found Kathryn through a San Francisco Examiner article about her work when we moved into our new house on a hill. Kathryn's company, Secret Gardens, designed, coordinated and constructed the whole project. Her employees (at that time), were the best I have ever worked with. When the garden was completed, it was beautiful but I did not truly appreciate it until 20 years later when I have more time to spend in my garden. Kathryn's aesthetics, her knowledge about plants, trees, soil condition .....were just amazing. She made grading changes, pushed back part of the hill and terraced the rest. She included functional living into her design. For example, she recommended change a window to a door in the kitchen, and made sure all major windows have nice view .......Looking back, I would not have it any other way. As years went by, I realized how fortunate I was to have Kathryn's team designed and constructed our garden. Some neighbors had landslide problems, one even lost their swimming pool and we never had any problem because Kathryn had designed and constructed drainage at each level of the terraced hill. As we age, many friends and relatives have recommended that we should move to a ranch style home. After vacillating over two years, we have decided remodeling rather than moving because it's had to find a place with a garden that brings tranquility and peace of mind.

Lois H

Isabella Saunders

I talked to her on the phone and she was such an amazing and brilliant women. She made me feel so much inspiration. She’s like an angel ?

Anh Hodges

Kathryn Mathewson and her company, Secret Gardens, have been working with me on my family's one acre garden for over ten years. Kathryn's many years of experience and education helps her quickly see problems and solutions. She has excellent artistic and ecological insight with deep plant knowledge. My family is always learning from her. Because of her special skills our garden is like no other.

We started with a Master Plan and then took small steps to implement her plan. The first steps would take years to make an impact so we started with planting perimeter plants, preserving large trees, planting needed and unique trees, and improving our soil to make it biologically rich and healthy. We love our front garden waterfall/stream/pond garden with its two patios, native meadow, and unique paths. It is like nothing in any picture book!

Kathryn has excellent long term vision to bring nature into my family's life. She is constantly educating us and everyone who works in our garden. She finds quality contractors and plantsmen to help build our vision and manages their work.

Over the years I often have thought I could do something without her advice. This has led to mistakes which she graciously turns into a positive. Because of these mistakes I have learned to discuss all garden details with her and as well as many interior and architectural details. Interior and building topics she addresses and designs are: elevation improvements, window sizes, door location and designs, natural light in rooms, room designs to improve garden views out of every window, garden details which are harmonious with the house details, and appropriate craftsmen for each project.

Our garden has been on garden tours and is used by local school children for their nature classes. On these occasions Kathryn educates the visitors and is an excellent and knowledgeable speaker. My family is honored to have had Kathryn come into our lives and help us improve our home and garden. I have attached some pictures which show the quality of her contribution to us.

Hellcat Hinouns

Allen Hutchison