From ownership and installation to our custom designers and contractors, Sonoran Gardens has an unmatched team of outdoor living space experts that will bring you an outdoor paradise beyond what you ever dreamed possible!

Chris Niccum
President/Owner
Chris has over 40 years experience in the landscape industry. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Purdue University and has been employed as a Foreman for landscape firms, Grounds Manager for colleges, Horticulturalist for resort hotels in the Virgin Islands and Director of Grounds for the La Paloma Resort in Tucson. He is also active in the construction industry and has been President and Board Member of both the Alliance of Construction Trades and the National Subcontractors Alliance.
In 1996 he founded Sonoran Gardens, a landscape design and construction firm that specializes in the creation of attractive and functional residential landscapes. From the beginning he has operated the company with the simple philosophy that every project is an opportunity to meet a clients needs and exceed their expectations. As the company has grown he has stayed actively involved with the day to day operations and takes a personal interest in ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards.

Kenny Valencia
Construction Superintendent
Kenny works very closely with Chris as a liaison between our work crews, our subcontractors, our office and our customers. Since Kenny has worked for Sonoran Gardens since 1998, he is extremely knowledgeable about completing the job efficiently, on time and with the superior quality Sonoran Gardens is known for. Kenny works well with our crews and subcontractors, keeping them on schedule. He also communicates with our customers so they know the status of their project at all times. Kenny is extremely helpful and knowledgeable and a valuable part of the Sonoran Gardens team.
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Roberta Braegelmann
Custom Care Manager
Roberta started her career with Sonoran Gardens in 1999 as a Landscape Designer. She earned an Associate Degree in Landscape Technology from Pima Community College, focusing her studies in design.
After designing landscapes and outdoor living spaces for nine years Roberta decided to change directions, just a little bit, and started taking care of those landscape. This was the beginning of Sonoran Gardens Custom Landscape Care.
Roberta has earned several awards from the Arizona Landscape Contractors Associate, (ALCA) including a Judges Award in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and an Award of Disctinction in 2005. Roberta has also received awards from Tohono Chul Park – ADWAR Xeriscape Contest in 2003, 2004 2005 and was awarded first place for Professional Residential Xeriscape in 2006.
Who better to care for custom landscapes than an award winning designer who has a knack of caring for her clients as well as the plants in the garden.
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Paul Connolly
APLD
Paul graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a BFA in Graphic Design. He is a Licensed Contractor with almost 20 years of experience in the landscape industry. His extensive training in art and design, combined with his hands-on knowledge and understanding of construction, makes him the most qualified Landscape Designer in Arizona.
Recognized as a leader in the landscape industry, Paul has received numerous local and international awards for his creative and sustainable landscape designs. He is a founding member and President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) Arizona Chapter; and is a member of APLD’s international Education Committee. Paul is an experienced Landscape Design Instructor for the University of Arizona/Pima County Cooperative Extension Service "Smartscape" Program.
Paul’s talent and dedication have enabled him to create some of the finest landscapes in Tucson. His designs have been featured in magazines and on garden tours. By carefully listening to your needs and working closely with your budget, Paul can develop a plan that specifically fits your site and your lifestyle.

Shelley Ann Abbott
Shelley Ann Abbott is a Master of Landscape Architecture and graduated with Honors and a Design Excellence Award from the University of Arizona Master of Landscape Architecture program. She is a member of Sigma Lambda, the honor society for Masters of Landscape Architecture. In the past several years, Shelley has been involved in local and international landscape architecture projects for disadvantaged communities. She is held in high regard in the community for her high standards in design and ethics for the community and the environment. Her portfolio contains notable clients such as Robert Shelton, PhD., the current University of Arizona President, and projects from numerous outstanding residences throughout Arizona.
As a native Tucsonan Shelley has a deep understanding of the various microclimates and the plants that have the potential to absolutely thrive here.
"I find that many homeowners take pleasure in colorful desert gardens that are interesting and that contain plants that attract Birds and butterflies. Daytime temperatures in the Sonoran Desert quickly plummet after the sun goes down, especially in the summer. This is the ‘magic’ time when homeowners want to get outdoors and enjoy their landscapes after dark. I love designing this aspect into a landscape that allows homeowners to enjoy the excitement of their gardens day or night".
Shelley is celebrating her tenth year in landscape design and currently resides with her husband Brian, two daughters, and several animals in the Tucson area.
The Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum have awarded Shelly the 2010 1st place xeriscape award for the Fosdick residence. When you work with Shelly Ann Abbott and Sonoran Garden's your outside world can look this beautiful, too! Click here for pictures of this award winning work.
Contact us for your complimentary landscape design and installation consultation.
Whether it's a lush, tranquil garden oasis with a soothing fountain, an elaborate environment for entertaining, or a backyard recreational paradise, our expert staff can make your vision become a reality. We have extensive experience in all areas of outdoor environments including xeriscape, gardens, water features, boulders, patios, driveways, outdoor fireplaces and more.
Vacation value in your own backyard.
More and more, people are foregoing expensive travel, staying home, and enjoying vacations at home. With your own private oasis or your recreational setting complete with everything from pool to putting green, you can make your stay-home vacation as relaxing or as fun as you desire. No lost luggage. No long lines. No high ticket prices. It's a getaway - without going away!