A new look for this contemporary home SUMMARY: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.
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 could provide year-round gardening pleasure for adults and playtime adventure for grandchildren.
 Vriesea imperialis
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:I'm passionate about xeriscape design and implementation, especially in drought-prone California, so I was definitely up to the task. I knew that I could help these clients turn their untamed jungle into a lush, low-water paradise that they and their grandchildren could get plenty of use from.  
 A garden wall delineates the property.

From the existing planting scheme we kept the palm trees as accents and overhead canopy and added terrestrial Bromeliads, Echeverias, Aeoniums and Peruvian Lilies for their dramatic foliage, easy care and permanent allure.
A cor-ten fountain draws attention in the front yard.

A sleek re-circulating fountain was fabricated from naturally rusted cor-ten steel, and a flat-topped boulder and a nearby chair invite guests to sit and enjoy the water’s play.
 A shade canopy is an attractive element in the back garden. A sandbox was placed under the Jacaranda right next to the pergola, and a “splashing boulder” adds a fun attraction for children and adults.
  Fantastic succulents and cacti evoke other-worldly marine creatures. 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.
 A garden path of flagstones connects driveway with front entrance. 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.
 Drought resistant plants surround the lush play lawn. Partners:Columbine Landscape, Escondido, CARancho Soledad Nursery, Rancho Santa Fe, CAGreen Meadow Growers, Bonsall, CASolana Succulents, Solana Beach, CA