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.

corten steel planter and gravel bed for streetside exterior drought-tolerant landscaping
На фото: большой засухоустойчивый сад на переднем дворе в восточном стиле с полуденной тенью, покрытием из гальки, газонным бордюром и с металлическим забором

Источник вдохновения для домашнего уюта: огромный солнечный участок и сад на переднем дворе в стиле кантри с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне, хорошей освещенностью и мульчированием

Источник вдохновения для домашнего уюта: засухоустойчивый сад в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с газонным бордюром и покрытием из гальки

The extensive renovation of this coastal shingle-style residence included the addition of a pool, stone walls, and fire feature; all done with authentic natural stone from New England. Featured is ORIJIN STONE's Wolfeboro™ Granite wall stone and veneer as well as our Premium Bluestone Clear Color Natural Cleft paving, pool coping, custom radius treads, and fire surround. Landscape Design & Install: Keenan & Sveiven, Inc. Architecture: TEA2 Architects Photography: Corey Gaffer Photography

Стильный дизайн: засухоустойчивый сад среднего размера на переднем дворе в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне, полуденной тенью, покрытием из гальки и с металлическим забором - последний тренд

Свежая идея для дизайна: участок и сад в средиземноморском стиле с газонным бордюром - отличное фото интерьера

Идея дизайна: участок и сад среднего размера на заднем дворе с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне и покрытием из каменной брусчатки

Свежая идея для дизайна: большой засухоустойчивый сад зимой на переднем дворе в современном стиле с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне, полуденной тенью и покрытием из гальки - отличное фото интерьера

Идея дизайна: большой участок и сад на переднем дворе в восточном стиле с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне

Стильный дизайн: засухоустойчивый сад на склоне с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне, полуденной тенью и покрытием из гальки - последний тренд

A mixture of green plants and earthy rock transform this backyard into a great escape.
На фото: большой солнечный засухоустойчивый сад на заднем дворе в классическом стиле с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне, хорошей освещенностью и покрытием из гальки с

Viewed from the large patio doors, the natural stone dining terrace gives way to a snaking sett path which defines two circular lawns, and creates exciting planting pockets either side.

This client won our $10k Front Yard Makeover and wanted their old front yard stripped away and a dry river bed put in place with a flagstone sitting area and a cedar privacy screen to add some interest. Low maintenance was top priority. We came in and in one day we had the project complete for them!!

A beautiful sidewalk leading from a guest parking area to the front porch.
Пример оригинального дизайна: огромный участок и сад на переднем дворе в стиле кантри с газонным бордюром и полуденной тенью

Идея дизайна: солнечный засухоустойчивый сад среднего размера, зимой на переднем дворе в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне, хорошей освещенностью и покрытием из гальки

A stone feature solves an erosion problem where runoff was washing away soil. Natural limestone forms a dry creekbed that channels water into a lower area. Moss and wildflowers decorate the stones, while ferns and shade-loving plants transition the area into the edge of a wood.

Свежая идея для дизайна: участок и сад среднего размера на переднем дворе в классическом стиле с камнем в ландшафтном дизайне и покрытием из гальки - отличное фото интерьера

Photos: Tony Vitale of Landscape Logic
Пример оригинального дизайна: солнечный, летний засухоустойчивый сад среднего размера на заднем дворе в стиле модернизм с хорошей освещенностью, мощением клинкерной брусчаткой, газонным бордюром и с деревянным забором