Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant planting on Oakland Hills front yard hillside. Boulders retain hillside and add structure. Virtually all the plants are evergreen.

Customer had always wanted a drought resistant landscaping, and head unsuccessfully attempted it on his own two years prior. We started with an area completely overgrown with Bermuda and dead plants. We built a dry river bed through the center, and planted an Olive tree and Palo Verde tree. The orange of the coral aloe and the scent of the Mexican sage is a delight to the senses.

Customer had always wanted a drought resistant landscaping, and head unsuccessfully attempted it on his own two years prior. We started with an area completely overgrown with Bermuda and dead plants. We built a dry river bed through the center, and planted an Olive tree and Palo Verde tree. The orange of the coral aloe and the scent of the Mexican sage is a delight to the senses.

Design by Kellie Carlin Landscape Design www.carlingardens.com Installed and maintained by Lou Penning Landscapes Inc.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

A drought-tolerant perennial garden provides late season color + bee foraging w/ Salvia greggii 'Flame' (Red Sage), Ericameria nausosa (Rubber Rabbit Brush), + Lavendula (lavender).

Front lawn conversion,edibles Chris Kittredge Photography Susie Dowd Markarian Designer
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean full sun front yard concrete paver vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco.

Railroad tie steps. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

Eric Rorer
Large 1950s gray two-story mixed siding gable roof photo in San Francisco

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Orange County.

Beautiful steps up the side of the home are flanked by textural shrubs, succulents and boulders. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

Poured in place concrete pavers lead to a custom designed steel and cedar gate. Low water plantings flank the pathway.
Design ideas for a mid-sized craftsman full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in San Diego.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone landscaping in Los Angeles.

Beautiful steps up the side of the home are flanked by textural shrubs, succulents and boulders. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

Vibrant Succulents: With thousands of succulents and cacti to choose from, selection is about color, texture, and dimension.
Photo of a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard stone garden path in San Diego.

Eric Rorer
Large mid-century modern gray two-story mixed siding flat roof photo in San Francisco

Marc Mason Landscape services
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary full sun front yard stone garden path in Orange County for summer.

The deep greenery offered by Manzanita evidences its stamina in holding hydration. Its stiff, blade like leaves are beautifully competent ember catchers, and, like the Coast Live Oak, it protects both the deck and home. Its architectural, hardwood branches will resist fire and burn slowly when they do ignite. Their roots are also useful slope retainers. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

An attractive and functional way to access under-deck storage. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

The front entrance gate leads to concrete pathways leading to the side/backyard creating a zen flow with privacy from the front entrance gate. Its a wonderful way to welcome guests into the home as well as spend some relaxing time without the reminder of maintaining landscape work! www.choosechi.com. Photos by Scott Basile, Basile Photography.