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This drought resistant landscaping – front and back – is lovingly planted with exuberant, dramatic greenery that is a pleasure to care for. Shady sitting areas, water play features for children and adults, and comfortable walkways made from beautiful materials invite year-round outdoor enjoyment. A stunning example of xeriscape design in San Diego. |
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BEFORE: The front yard landscape design was a plant jumble that obscured the entrance to this modern home and darkened the front yard.
WANTED: The homeowners desired a low water landscape with low maintenance plants; in addition, these gardens should provide year-round gardening pleasure with plants sculptural and bold enough to hold their own against the striking architecture of the home. |
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From the existing planting scheme we kept the palm trees as accents and overhead canopy. To this we added terrestrial Bromeliads, Echeverias, Aeoniums and Agaves selected for their dramatic foliage, easy care and permanent allure. A large Aloe bainesii, Bronze Loquats, Leucadendrons “Safari Sunset” and an exotic Trevisia palmata add weight in the mid-plane of the composition. |
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The flower bed designs show a plant combination that works well: The Leucadendrons, Aechmeas and Vrieseas will need watering every 10 days or thereabouts (this of course after the establishment period). They’ll make good companions to the Agaves, Echeverias, Sedums and Coral Bells. |
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A sleek re-circulating fountain stands across from the window and can be viewed from inside. A flat-topped boulder and a chair nearby invite to sit and watch the grandchildren play with the water. This fountain was fabricated from naturally rusted cor-ten steel. Water is pumped up from a subterranean reservoir into the fountain trough and sheets over its sides. |
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Although Peruvian Lilies and Iris provide a lot of color in the summer months, most of the visual interest is provided by the permanent textures and colors of foliage plants, as here by the Black Moon Aeonium, variegated Foxtail Agave, Dymondia Silver Carpet and Sedum kimnachii, all very fine drought xeriscape plants. |
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A flagstone path bisects the front garden, connecting the driveway to the front door and continuing around the house to the back garden. It allows viewing and exploring from all angles and increases the enjoyment of so many fascinating plants. |
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This xeriscape design in San Diego has become a garden with generous and exuberant greenery; there is just enough lawn for grandchildren and dog to play on. A beautiful flagstone path invites strolling past Mexican Marigolds, ornamental grasses, Rock Purslane, Sundrops and Brazilian Coppertree, to name a few. |
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The sandbox was placed under the Jacaranda right next to the pergola, and a “splashing boulder” adds another attraction for children and adults. Now parents and children can enjoy their playtime in the comfort of these shady places. |
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The raised beds are holding Roses, Lavender, ornamental grasses and Irises of “her” collection as well as vegetables planted at their feet. With careful placement and their own irrigation cycle no plant interferes with another, and all are doing well. |
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Fantastic succulents and cacti evoke a world of other-worldly marine creatures that was inspired by the “sea-scape” created at San Diego Botanic Garden by Jeff Moore, Owner of Solana Succulents. Red Octopus Aloe, Myers Asparagus Fern, Star Fish Aloe and Medusa Plant were set into two earthen mounds decorated with scree, lava rock and boulders to evoke a coral world populated with sea weeds, anemones and star fishes. |
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Partners in this project: Mark Sterk of Columbine Landscape, Escondido, CA, one of the finest landscaping companies in San Diego, executed this project with a never-tiring attention to detail, creative problem solving and absolute dedication to quality performance. Rancho Soledad Nursery, Rancho Santa Fe, CA provided the “exotics” (Vrieseas, Aechmeas, Agaves, Echeverias). Green Meadow Growers in Bonsall, CA provided perennials and succulents. Solana Succulents provided the plants for the “sea scapes”. This is truly a breath taking example of xeriscape in San Diego. |
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Would love to see this in person – it’s delightful!
Thank you, I’m delighted that you like it, too. The visit could be arranged.. Let me know when!
Christiane,
These are excellent photos! They represent the project well and show the versatility and beauty of your design. I hope we can work together again soon-Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Mark, I’m glad you like these photos. This was a great project, and I enjoyed working with you as I hope we’ll have another opportunity to work together soon.
Thanks, Mark, for your compliments. (I’m sorry if my response repeats what I said privately). It was a fun, complex and challenging project, and I hope to repeat our collaboration soon. Thanks for being creative, involved and invested in this.
Such beautiful work, Christiane!
I very much appreciate your comments, Kristi, especially since they are coming from a professional who is doing beautiful work herself.