Christiane Holmquist Landscape Design

Lush and Waterwise Landscape Design in Carlsbad, CA

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Front garden showing plant-driven design 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.
 
Overgrown landscape hides modern architecture 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.
 

 
 plant-driven low water landscape in Carlsbad

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.
 

 
 Vriesea sanguinolenta is a striking terrestrial bromeliad 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.
 

 
A naturally rusted cor-ten steel fountain in the front garden

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.
 

 
Aeonium Black moon pairs up with Peruvian Lily 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.
 

 
 A flagstone path bisects the front garden 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.
 

 
Pergola and play lawn invite into the garden

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.
 

 
Sandbox and splashing boulder in the shade of the Jacaranda 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.
 

 
Vegetables are planted at the feet of perennials in raised beds 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.
 

 
Under water world suggested by succulents and cacti 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.
 

 
Plants are partners in this garden with man and man-made structures 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.
 

 

 

Christiane, your design is beautiful. Viewers love the design and color. Thank you so much for all your support while the project was being developed. It would have been more stressful for me had you not held my hand regularly.

Rachel Michel

CHRISTIANE HOLMQUIST LANDSCAPE DESIGN


Download my article published in San Diego Home and Garden Lifestyles Magazine!
Contact Me I offer phone and/or onsite consultations and landscape design.

Phone: 406-246-6065

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