Carol Vander Meulen APLD has been an avid gardener for over 25 years and loves sharing her joy of gardening with others.

Carol established VVM Designs in 2003 after spending 15 years in the software/technical world. She brings her extensive management and organizational talents to her love of plants, gardens and design.  She uses her ability to translate customer requirements into a finished product to create extraordinary landscape designs. She combines her passion for plants and experience in planning to create a final product that meets the client’s desires and needs.

In 2010 Carol was professionally recognized by APLD for completing an extensive juried certification process. She is now one of only 40 certified Landscape Designers in California.

Carol spends her spare time sharing her love of horticulture and gardens with the community. She is very active in the UC Master Gardener program, building and managing the Livermore Earth Friendly Demonstration garden for Tri Valley residents to get an idea of plants and gardening practices that will do well in their gardens as well as providing gardening advice at Farmers markets and other outreach events. She has designed displays for the County Fair and other garden shows. A garden that she designed along with Leiber Landscape Services was on display at the 2006 & 2007 San Francisco Flower and Garden Show.  Carol is one of the authors for both Outstanding Plants of Alameda County brochures.

She is also active in the local Tri Valley Evening Rotary club where she was President for 2 years.

Educational Background

Carol continues to expand her education by attending seminars on pest and water management as well as personally experiencing gardens throughout the world. Carol’s love of enjoying a garden without having to spend all her time working in it is reflected in all her designs.