Sustainable Mediterranean Landscape In Bonsall

SUMMARY: Inspired by Californian’s brilliant sunshine, the architecture of the client’s home and the beautiful vistas of the surrounding hills, we created a sustainable Mediterranean landscape that integrates drought-tolerant plants and style elements such as urns, fountains, sculptures, outside sitting areas and native California plants.
BEFORE: The backyard did not take full advantage of the ample space available or the gorgeous 180 degree view of the surrounding hills.       WANTED: The client wanted a relaxing and visually pleasing space that he could enjoy with friends and family during the long and warm Southern Californian nights.
 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: With so much space to work with and the beauty of the rugged landscape and mountains surrounding the home, I had a lot of inspiration.

Brainstorming together, the client and I opted to increase the outdoor entertainment space by adding compatible stepping stones that would be maintenance-free and also allow more water to enter into the subsoil.  Between the stepping stones I planted a low Silver Carpet Dymondia, which softens the edges and can tolerate light foot traffic.

 
 

The exceptionally healthy and vigorous China rose ‘Mutabilis’ was added because of its charm and its tolerance to a low-water regime.  On the slopes, we planted California natives such as Mountain Lilac, Manzanita, Rockrose, Coyote Mint and California Sunflower that would tolerate (and stabilize) the rocky soil and appreciate the fast drainage.  When selecting these plants, I paid careful attention to their spacing as well as their fire resistance, as this is an area where wild fires are a part of the ecosystem.

While the plants are growing in, arbors and raised planters provide additional seating as well as “backbone” and structure. Using the local field stone for these gives this home a strong sense of place.

Separate garden “rooms” were created for different uses:  One large extension of the living room for the enjoyment of the view and outside entertaining, and a more private area for relaxing in the spa.  The arbors were planted in raised beds and serve as partitions while preserving the 180 degree view.
  Making this courtyard private and enclosed while not shutting out the view of the surrounding hills seemed a challenge.  The answer was an enclosure created by a wrap-around arbor- trellis that stood in for the “walls” and “ceilings”, while the open space between shrubs and beams provided generous “window” openings that allowed the view outside.  Thus the fountain courtyard became the intimate and contemplative space the homeowner had dreamed of.
 

Partners:

Nature Designs Landscaping, Vista, CA