When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Portland for spring.

Statuario Altissimo Polished delivers the most exclusive Italian marble look distinguished by its clean whites and fine gray veining. Dramatic and elegant, set your space apart with this refined beauty.

Tropical landscapes Hawaii landscapes
Photo of a tropical landscaping in Hawaii.

Inspiration for a rustic hillside landscaping in Sacramento.

Example of a mid-sized urban attached garage design in San Francisco

Inspiration for a stamped concrete patio remodel in Atlanta

This duplex has a very modern aesthetic with focuses on clean lines and metal accents. However, the front courtyard was undeveloped and uninviting. We worked with the client to tie the courtyard and the property together by adding clean, monochromatic details with a heavy focus on texture. The main goal of this project was to add a low-maintenance outdoor living space that was an extension of the home. The small space and harsh sun exposure limited the plant pallet, but we were able to use lush plant material to maximize the space. A monochromatic pallet makes for a perfect backdrop for focal points and key pieces. The circular fire-pit was used to break up the 90 degree angles of the space, and also played off the round pottery.

Landscaping in South Florida and Fort Lauderdale tropical landscape, modern landscape, courtyards, walkways, and patios by Matthew Giampietro
Inspiration for a tropical partial sun front yard landscaping in Miami.

A mature pond in a lush fern landscaped setting.
This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean shade backyard pond in Santa Barbara.

Tim Macksey
Inspiration for a large eclectic landscaping in Tampa.

Select architectural specimen plants combine with sculptural architectural details; these include blue agave, Red Dragon Japanese maple and variegated Japanese iris. Photos courtesy Solow Design Group

Zuri Premium Decking in Weathered Gray.
Inspiration for a coastal deck remodel in New York

Example of a trendy exterior home design in Tampa

This contemporary living room has an accent wall covered in wood tile called Niteroi Legno. This deisgn comes in stone and there are different styles available that come in stone, wood or a combination of wood and stone.

Landscape Design and Construction by Others. Plants by Texture Plants.
Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in Christchurch.

Meg Whitmer
Photo of a mid-sized tropical partial sun courtyard garden path in Miami for summer.

Durston Saylor
Example of a large island style one-story wood house exterior design with a hip roof and a tile roof

Lianna Taratin
Example of a mid-sized minimalist open concept light wood floor living room design in New York with a wall-mounted tv and multicolored walls