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.

natural Bluestone was used all over the landscape. Here, bluestone steps begin at the side entry and lead you to the bluestone patio and custom fire pit in back.

This wide parking strip provides enough room for trees and colorful under plantings along with access from the street and lawn spaces for connecting with the neighbors and to the front lawn.

На фото: засухоустойчивый сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в стиле модернизм с полуденной тенью, покрытием из каменной брусчатки, с деревянным забором и дорожками с

Natural flagstone steppers are soft set in river rock creating a meander pathway that crosses over a dry river bed.
Свежая идея для дизайна: участок и сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в современном стиле с дорожками и покрытием из каменной брусчатки - отличное фото интерьера

All Hardscapes,Stonework, and Plantings by: Arrow --Photography by: Marco Romani, RLA
Источник вдохновения для домашнего уюта: участок и сад на боковом дворе в классическом стиле с покрытием из каменной брусчатки, дорожками и с деревянным забором

Whether your landscape style is formal, Mediterranean, modern or eclectic, what really brings it to life are the plants! Sun and shade plantings, drought-tolerant gardens, and exciting container combinations work in harmony with hardscape to create the perfect look for each of our clients based on their own unique style. If time has taken its toll on your garden, we can give you a fresh new look.

Lannon stone outcropping steps lead you into the backyard from the driveway. Renn Kuhnen Photography
На фото: большой солнечный, летний засухоустойчивый сад на боковом дворе в классическом стиле с хорошей освещенностью, дорожками и покрытием из каменной брусчатки

Modern path lights in stainless steel finish with la Paz pebbles.
Источник вдохновения для домашнего уюта: маленький засухоустойчивый сад на боковом дворе в стиле ретро с дорожками, полуденной тенью и мощением тротуарной плиткой для на участке и в саду

Custom dry stack masonry wall and mortar stone staircase are complimented by an array of Summer blooms. The staircase leads from the orchard to the Bocce court.

Brick Paver Pathway and Driveway Extention
На фото: участок и сад на боковом дворе в современном стиле с мощением клинкерной брусчаткой и дорожками с

Стильный дизайн: огромный солнечный, летний регулярный сад на боковом дворе в классическом стиле с клумбами, воротами, перегородкой для приватности, дорожками, хорошей освещенностью, мощением тротуарной плиткой и с виниловым забором - последний тренд

Свежая идея для дизайна: регулярный сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в современном стиле с дорожками, полуденной тенью и мощением тротуарной плиткой - отличное фото интерьера

На фото: засухоустойчивый сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в стиле модернизм с дорожками, мощением тротуарной плиткой и с виниловым забором

Walkway into front yard
Стильный дизайн: тенистый участок и сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в классическом стиле с дорожками - последний тренд

South African native plants light up the sunset garden
На фото: огромный солнечный, летний засухоустойчивый сад на боковом дворе с дорожками, хорошей освещенностью и покрытием из каменной брусчатки

Стильный дизайн: осенний засухоустойчивый сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с дорожками, полуденной тенью и покрытием из каменной брусчатки - последний тренд

A wisteria-draped colonnade frames the formal garden . The Juliet balcony of the upstairs master bedroom provides a viewing deck for the gardens below.

Stamped Concrete
На фото: тенистый участок и сад среднего размера на боковом дворе в классическом стиле с дорожками и мощением тротуарной плиткой