About
My name is Alyssa
I believe native plants do more than beautify a space. They restore ecosystems, conserve water, support wildlife, and reconnect people with the land beneath their feet. My passion for ecological design is rooted in lived experience, academic study, and a deep desire to help create landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
I hold a degree in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in Social Change and Global Issues, along with a Certified Native Plant Landscaper Certificate (CNPLC) through the Theodore Payne Foundation and the California Native Plant Society.
My journey into ecological design began long before I started creating landscapes professionally. While earning my Permaculture Design Certification in Thailand, I lived and studied on a rural farm where I witnessed firsthand how thoughtful land stewardship can nourish both people and ecosystems. That experience sparked a deeper curiosity that led me to spend time in the mountains of Northern California, living on rural properties and within eco-villages where regenerative practices were part of everyday life. Surrounded by people working in partnership with the land, I developed a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of water, soil, plants, wildlife, and community.
That passion eventually led me to Palos Verdes School Gardens, where I coordinated outdoor education programs that connected K–12 students to science through hands-on experiences in nature. Watching young people discover the living world around them reinforced my belief that landscapes have the power not only to heal ecosystems, but also to inspire and educate.
As my interest in sustainable landscapes grew, I immersed myself in the practical side of the industry, supporting contractors with project operations, material sourcing, and on-site coordination. Seeing projects move from concept to completion gave me invaluable insight into how beautiful, functional landscapes are brought to life and how thoughtful design decisions shape the spaces people experience every day.
Today, I run Native Bloom Design, a landscape design and consulting practice focused on drought-tolerant and California native gardens. I collaborate with skilled contractors to help bring each vision to life, creating spaces that are low-maintenance, habitat-rich, and resilient in our changing climate. Whether guiding a homeowner through their first lawn replacement or consulting on a larger community project, my work is driven by a simple purpose: to restore beauty, balance, and biodiversity—one garden at a time.
My story and approach to ecological design were recently featured in VoyageLA Magazine, where I shared more about the experiences that inspired Native Bloom Design.
