Distinguished Properties
“Most landscape projects don’t fail because of execution. They fail because there was no real design behind them.”
A Landscape Designed —
Not Simply Installed
Architectural Awareness
Designs that complement the structure and character of the home.
Microclimate Expertise
Planting strategies tailored to the unique environmental conditions of the Peninsula.
Complex Terrain Experience
Extensive work on hillside and estate-scale properties.
Designer-Led Process
Every project begins with direct consultation with designer Ward Dilmore.
The result is a landscape that feels intentional, balanced, and enduring.
Landscape Design for Exceptional Estates
Led by Ward Dilmore
At Petrus Landscape, each project begins with a guiding principle: outdoor spaces should be thoughtfully designed, harmonious in composition, and capable of evolving naturally over time. This philosophy reflects the approach of estate landscape designer Ward Dilmore.
With extensive knowledge of landscape design, horticulture, and spatial composition, Ward views every property as a distinctive canvas rather than a template to be repeated.
The outcome is more than a landscaped yard it is a carefully crafted outdoor environment that enhances the architecture of the home and supports the lifestyle of the people who live there.
Estate Landscapes by Petrus
Las Olas
Taj Place
Fern Hill
Vista Verde
The Difference Becomes
Clear Over Time
Petrus Landscape |
Typical Landscape Contractors |
|---|---|
Designer-led landscape planning
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Installation-focused landscaping
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Direct consultation with Ward Dilmore
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Salesperson or estimator consultation
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Experience with estate properties
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Primarily small residential projects
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Planting designed for microclimates
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Standard plant palettes
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Landscapes designed for long-term growth
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Immediate installation focus
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Expertise with complex hillside terrain
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Limited experience with terrain challenges
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Designed for Estate Homeowners and Property Managers
Petrus Landscape works with clients who view the landscape as an extension of the property’s architecture.
- Atherton and Woodside estate homeowners
- Estate property managers
- Newly purchased luxury homes needing full landscape planning
- Homeowners upgrading older landscapes
Most of our clients reach out when they are:
Purchasing a new estate property
and want to create a landscape that matches the scale and architecture of the home.
Upgrading an existing landscape
that no longer reflects the character of the property.
Planning outdoor living environments
including terraces, gardens, and estate entry landscapes.
Redesigning complex terrain
such as hillside gardens and large properties.
Common Mistakes Estate Owners Make
When Hiring Landscapers
Installation without design planning
Landscapes built without considering the architecture or long-term garden growth.
Generic plant selections
Plants chosen without understanding the local microclimates.
Limited experience with hillside terrain
Improper grading and drainage that cause long-term issues.
Sales-driven consultations
Projects managed by salespeople rather than designers.
Landscape Design & Master Planning
Each project begins with a comprehensive landscape plan that considers architecture, circulation, planting design, and long-term garden evolution.
Architectural Hardscape Design
Stone terraces, garden paths, retaining walls, and outdoor living spaces designed to integrate naturally with the home’s architecture.
Estate Garden Planting
Thoughtfully composed plant palettes suited to the Bay Area’s microclimates balancing beauty, structure, and sustainability.
Hillside & Complex Property Landscapes
From sloped terrain to multi-level gardens, Petrus Landscape has extensive experience shaping landscapes that require thoughtful engineering and design precision.
Sustainable & Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
Water-wise planting strategies that maintain beauty while responding to California’s environmental conditions.
Landscapes That Improve With Time
A well-designed landscape evolves. Plants mature, spaces become more integrated, and the property develops a natural sense of place.
Without thoughtful design, landscapes often require constant rework.
With more than 30 years of landscape design experience, Petrus Landscape creates environments designed to grow beautifully for decades
Estate Landscape Expertise
This combination of design expertise and practical knowledge allows Petrus to deliver landscapes that are both beautiful and enduring.
Trusted by High-End Clients & Estate Managers
Excellent services provided by Ward and his team! They are skilled in their craft and dedicated to providing immaculate service!
Amazing service, really enjoyed working with the Petrus team to help us set up and keep the landscape in our properties looking stunning!
Petrus Landscaping transformed our steep hillside yard with beautiful features like a stone staircase, pond, tiered garden beds, and drought-tolerant planting with an automated drip system. The team was professional, thoughtful, and delivered results beyond what we imagined.
I have been working with Ward, Gabe and their team of gardeners at my clients estate for the past 5 years. I have found them to be reliable, professional, and extremely knowledgeable of landscapes. They certainly know their plants, and have been instrumental in bringing a fine level of detail to the estate I manage. Their team of gardeners are respectful, attentive, and go above and beyond to create the well manicured gardens that the estate requires.
Ward and his team completed two complex projects for our Silicon Valley client at their Sunnyvale campus. One involved redesigning a large atrium’s hardscape, requiring careful weekend transport of heavy materials through a newly renovated cafeteria—executed flawlessly without disrupting operations. They also revamped the main entrance planters, replacing an unsatisfactory installation with a more elegant and formal design. Their work is always thoughtful, precise, and completed with minimal disruption. We trust Petrus Landscaping for all large-scale projects, knowing they deliver exceptional results every time.
Begin the Landscape Design
Conversation
Whether you have recently purchased a property in Atherton or Woodside or are planning to upgrade your landscape, the process begins with a conversation.
Designer Ward Dilmore personally meets with homeowners to understand the property and explore the landscape possibilities.
Tired of an Underwhelming Yard?
Common Pain Points
- Outdated or empty outdoor space
- High water usage lawns
- Poor design or execution
- Low property value
The Petrus Solution
Petrus Landscape designs and builds refined outdoor environments tailored to the Bay Area’s microclimates. From estate gardens to complex hillside projects, our team delivers thoughtful design and precise execution for discerning homeowners.