Golden Aura Gardens
California Native Plant
Landscape Design
Landscapes That Belong
About Us
At Golden Aura Gardens, we design landscapes that function as habitat. Rooted in the ecology of California's native plant communities, every garden we create is conceived as a living system: supporting pollinators, feeding birds, building soil, and restoring the web of life that belongs here. We specialize in transforming ecological deserts — lawns, ornamental monocultures, and neglected spaces — into purpose-filled gardens: meadows, pollinator havens, wildlife corridors, and serene retreats.
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Our approach goes deeper than plant lists. We design for your specific microclimate, soil conditions, and plant community, selecting regionally appropriate species and sourcing locally, with an emphasis on native ecotypes where available, to build gardens that establish well and thrive within the climate they evolved in.
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The result is a garden that belongs to its place, to you, and to the community of life that depends on it.
Rooted in Berkeley, Working Across California
We bring deep knowledge of Bay Area microclimates, soils, and native plant communities to every project, from shady backyards to sun-soaked hillsides. While rooted in Berkeley, we work with clients across California, adapting every design to the unique climate, soil, and ecological character of the place. Remote consultations are available statewide.
Grounded in the Science
Golden Aura Gardens is led by Jessica Golden, a PhD chemist whose research focused on sustainable materials for climate-change mitigation. Alongside her scientific background, Jessica developed a deep passion for habitat restoration and California native plant design. She manages our test gardens in the Berkeley hills and ensures every design recommendation is grounded in ecology, supporting measurable improvements in biodiversity, fire resistance, water use, and landscape health. She is an active member of the East Bay chapter of the California Native Plant Society.
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Jessica works in partnership with brother Aaron Golden, a landscape professional with extensive experience in installation and property management, who contributes to select projects.
Services
Landscape Design
Custom native plant garden design for residential and commercial properties. Every plan is developed for your specific microclimate, soil, and plant community, working with the character of your property rather than against it. From a single parkstrip to a full property, our designs support habitat, biodiversity, and long-term ecological health, with fire risk and defensible space woven in as part of a responsible whole.
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Sustainability is central to how we work. We design every garden to thrive without irrigation after the first establishment year, source plant material locally with an emphasis on native ecotypes, and take a low-impact approach to mulching, lawn removal, and invasive plant management. Every design includes assessment and recommendations for turf and invasive removal as part of your garden transformation.
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Site Consultation
An on-site assessment of your microclimate, sun and shade, drainage, soil, and fire risk zone. Includes written recommendations and an initial design direction. The consultation fee is credited in full toward any design package booked within 30 days.
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Plant Procurement
Native plants sourced through wholesale channels, selected to match your design specifications and site conditions. Wholesale plant selections are guaranteed for one year. For projects where local native ecotypes are sourced through regional nurseries and CNPS chapter sales, we will provide an appropriate replacement if plants fail, subject to seasonal availability.
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Site-Specific Seed Mixes
Custom native seed mixes designed for your property's exact location, microclimate, soil, and sun conditions. Every mix is composed individually — this is not a generic wildflower blend. Available to design clients and as a standalone purchase.
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DIY Coaching
On-site guidance for homeowners who want to install their own garden with expert support. Sessions include planting direction, spacing and layout, and establishment guidelines tailored to your specific plants and conditions.​
Contact
Let’s Grow Something That Matters
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Beauty is just the beginning. Whether you're ready to replace a lawn, restore habitat, or simply find out what's possible on your property — we'd love to hear from you.
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Not sure where to start?
Take our short garden quiz and help us understand your vision, site, and goals before we meet. It takes about three minutes and makes your consultation more focused and productive.​
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Prefer to reach out directly?