LANDSCAPE DESIGN DETAILS
Donna Lynn - Landscape Designer, Santa Barbara CA
"Take the time to design" During my 20+ years as a landscape designer, I have seen the benefits of taking the time to create a scale drawing-master plan for projects both large and small. I find my experience allows me to make suggestions that often save my clients money during the installation process. Attention to detail, as well as consideration of how the various elements of the completed landscape will work together can be given when the design is thought through rather than hastily installed.
Below I have listed some of the plant palettes that I like to use as points of departure. In addition, I have listed some of the hardscape materials I have found to be most requested in California landscaping. Both plant and hardscape choices vary according to each area, particular city and neighborhood, so what works for Santa Barbara might not necessarily be appropriate for Thousand Oaks or Santa Ynez.
FIRESCAPE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Considering the frequency of recent fires in the Santa Barbara area, now is the time to re-think your landscape according to Firescape guidelines. Call me to schedule a consultation. If you are planning a new landscape, be safe and consider Firescape guidelines as part of your overall design.
California Native: Plants from California's abundant and diverse plant communities, including Chapparal, Coastal, Oak Woodland, Redwood Woodland, Riparian and Sierra Nevada to name a few.
Mediterranean: Plants from regions with climates similar to that of Southern California, namely Mediterranean Europe, Australia, South Africa and Chile, in combination with our own native plants.
Mediterranean Europe: Classic garden plants such as Italian Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme and many other perennial favorites. This palette combines well with Roses, Citrus and other fruit bearing trees and edible plants.
Southern Hemiphere: Plants from Mediterranean areas of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The flora native to these these regions combine especially well together and are noted for their bold and unusual shapes. Familiar examples would be Kangaroo Paws and many succulent species.
Tropical: Plants from many tropical areas throughout the world, such as South America, Mexico, India, and the Hawaiian Islands that are adapted to our climate.
Subtropical: Hardy tropicals in combination with succulents and other Southern Hemisphere plant species.
Roses & Perennials: Formal or naturalistic rose and perennial gardens using garden favorites as well as new introductions.
Temperate Climate Palette: Plants from China, Japan, Europe and the eastern United States. Many deciduous trees, evergreens and stone bearing fruit trees are suited to the California climate, especially inland areas with cooler winter nights.
Edible: There are many ways to creatively depart from the rectangular raised bed located in a sunny spot away from everything else. Fruit bearing trees and edible flowers, vegetables and herbs can be incorporated into your landscape design in such as way as to afford you the opportunity to eat from your garden year 'round with very little extra care or effort.
Bromeliads: Massing of Bromeliads under Oaks provides a colorful and low-water use shade solution.
Using the above palettes as points of departure, a unique plant palette is created for each client, based on their individual tastes and unique site conditions.
To view examples of plant palettes, please click this link: PLANT PALETTES
HARDSCAPE MATERIALS
D.G.: Decomposed Granite - Granite "fines" that provide a natural - looking and affordable solution for pathways as well as patio ares.
Gravel: Another natural material for pathways and in some instances driveways.
Flagstone: Either "sandset" or set on a concrete base. Flagstone stepping stones are another popular choice for pathways or transitions to path areas.
Santa Barbara Sandstone: In natural boulder or hand-cut form. A popular choice for retaining walls.
Natural Stone: Natural stone in a variety of colors and textures for patio surfacing and/or wall venners.
Stamped Concrete: Available in a wide variety of colors and textures and patterns.
Resurfaced Concrete: A textured and colored concrete veneer applied over existing concrete areas such as patios and pool decks.
Concrete Pavers: An affordable way to create a cobblestone appearance. Available in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. New permeable, concrete paver patterns are now an option.
Concrete Block: Often used for free-standing walls and seat walls. Stucco or stone-appearance veneers can be applied to finished walls.
Green Walls - Living Walls: There are many different ways to achieve the green wall. The idea is to create a lush appearance and present an alternative to the hard look of hardscape. In addition, green walls have environmental benefits and minimize sound.
Hardscape materials are chosen based on site conditions, design-style, client preference and budget.
GARDEN ROOMS, NICHES & NOOKS
The place where a landscape becomes uniquely yours - for the homeowner alone is attuned to Nature's Play within the confines of their own property: that one spot where the winter sun warms a morning coffee-sipping niche, that open place where the family enjoys gathering to view the night sky, a solitary location under an ancient oak condusive to contemplation, the sunny spot that calls out for a pergola - a place to enjoy the company of family and friends. Isn't this the reason we landscape? To invite the natural environment into our busy lives? To create a secret sanctuary where we can leave our troubles behind? In order, if only for a fleeting moment, to behold the fragrance and beauty of a rose in bloom, hummingbird sipping on a floriferous Salvia or be soothed by calming fountain waters. My greatest compliment as a landscape designer is for my client to exclaim once the job is complete, "This looks and feels like the landscape I imagined!". I consider it my job to help you create the outdoor living environment that will ultimately be "uniquely yours"!