Santa Barbara Independent Article : Profiles in Design: Donna Lynn
California Native Plants
Ask me about creating a California native plant palette suited to the area you live in.
Landscape Plans
Unique plant palettes, precise CAD plans, landscape photo imaging, 3D rendering and web conferencing during the design development phase.
Landscape Photo Imaging
Shown below is an imaged view of a landscape design followed by a photo of the yard after installation.
Waterwise Transformation
Before Design
An unused lawn is replaced with a flagstone patio, flagstone stepping stones, low water use plants, gravel and a small vegetable garden.
After Installation
Native Carex Lawn
In the example below, a native Carex lawn has been planted with flowering shrubs and perennials.
Designing for Small Spaces
Townhouse Patio, Garden Room
Small spaces can present an interesting challenge as every square inch must be carefully considered and utilized - the end result being cozy and comfortable, outdoor garden room, living areas.
Townhouse Patio, Garden Room
Townhouse Patio, Garden Room
Plant Palettes
Using the palettes below as points of departure, a unique plant palette is created for each client, based on individual taste and unique site conditions.
Ceanothus - California Lilac
California Native: Plants from California's many and diverse plant communities, including Chaparral, Coastal, Oak Woodland, Redwood Woodland, Riparian and Sierra Nevada to name a few. Visit the Natives page to learn more about the way I design with natives.
Mediterranean Mix Container Planting
Mediterranean Mix: Plants from regions with climates similar to that of California, namely Mediterranean Europe, Australia, South Africa and coastal areas of Chile, in combination with California native plants.
Italian Cypress, Lavender, Vitex
Mediterranean Europe: Classic garden plants such as Olive, Italian Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme and many other garden favorites.
Kniphofia - Torch Plant
Southern Hemiphere: Plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The flora native to 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.
Brugmansia - Angel's Trumpet
Tropical: Plants from tropical areas throughout the world, such as South America, Mexico, India, and the Pacific Islands that are adapted to the California climate.
Mixed Perennials
Perennials: Formal or naturalistic perennial gardens using garden favorites as well as new introductions - can be combined with Roses or fruit trees.
Magnolia soulangiana - Saucer Magnolia
Temperate Climate: Plants from China, Japan, Europe and the eastern United States. Japanese gardens would incorporate plants from this palette.
Stone Planters for Fruit Trees on Slope
Edible: There are many ways to creatively incorporate fruit bearing trees, edible flowers, vegetables and herbs into the landscape design in order to afford the opportunity to eat from the garden year 'round.
Prickly Pear Cactus, Red Yucca
Desert: California and Arizona natives as well as other desert plants are used to create plant palettes for desert areas. Plants like Desert Willow and Red Yucca not only offer soft, lovely flower color but are attractive to hummingbirds and Prickly Pear Cactus produces edible fruit.
Lady beetles rest on colorful slope cover during winter months.
Pollinator, Insectiary: Plants specifically chosen to attract benefical insects, butterflies, birds, hummingbirds and other pollinators. These
planting plans include trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, vines and bulbs that flower throughout the year, thereby providing nectar and food sources year 'round.
Print 
Recommend this page