About

 

 

Style: You can see in my designs  many different styles that are true expressions of  the homeowner’s preference:  Exuberant or controlled,  formal or informal, relaxed or dynamic.  Regardless of desired style,  in my designs “hardscape” and water features have more importance than exceptional plants:  My first concern is a dynamic or relaxed but convincing architectural layout and structure of spaces with sound form and function and beautiful materials.  With carefully selected perennials, structural ornamental grasses, dramatic succulents and lasting shrubs  these gardens delight in an all-seasons display of color, texture and shape.

Sustainability: I specialize in sustainable spaces that require less work and fewer resources as time goes on.  I might incorporate exceptionally finished concrete, interlocking pavers or brick, natural stonework, or salvaged or recycled materials in combination with drought-tolerant, water-wise plants, be they Mediterranean-type plants, California natives or succulents.

Passion: My passion for design and gardening was instilled in Germany and France, where I grew up and spent my young-adult years.  There naturalistic planting schemes were the preferred style:  lush perennial flower beds incorporating many native species were set against dramatic and bold sweeps of ornamental grasses and held together by ‘backbone’ shrubs. Ornamental and fruit trees were a necessity in those gardens, which were often enclosed by walls or native hedges.  This gave them a romantic, secluded and exciting atmosphere with year-round beauty, as even in winter the seeds and dried flowers were allowed to remain to give the garden texture and interest.

Needs: Of course in California, our tastes, environment and resources are quite different from those in Europe and demand their own garden style. Yet the need for a home landscape that stimulates the senses and sets the stage for play and entertainment or simply a restful retreat is the same. My goal is to harmonize our Southern California lifestyle, its magnificent clear skies and native chaparral, with a naturalistic blend of sound hardscape layout and properly selected plants.

Professionalism:  With a California Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design I  have been designing residential landscapes in San Diego County for the past 10 years.  Additionally, I have worked in several excellent nurseries in Southern California to broaden my knowledge of locally grown plants and to better understand clients’ tastes. Designing for a landscape construction company deepened my understanding of outdoor spaces that “work,” and feedback from maintenance professionals and my own gardening experience  have given me better insight into the maintenance needs and practicality of particular plants.

Consultation and Speaking:  I am available for on-site consultations as well as for public presentations to homeowners and garden clubs.  Previous topics of presentation are “Landscaping with Drought Tolerant Plants” and “Smaller Garden spaces that delight and excite with a minimum of water and care”.

Consultations can also be  reserved at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, CA at www.thegarden.org .

I look forward to assisting you in creating a delightful, memorable garden.

 

Professional Memberships:

APLD Association of Professional Landscape Designers, California Chapter

CLCA California Landscape Contractors Association

CNPS California Native Plant Society

 

 

Christiane Holmquist Landscape Design             [P] 406-246-6065 (Montana) & 760-586-6065 (California)                 [E] cholmquist@adnc.com