Updating a landscape

The plans went out in 2004. In 2005 or so, they were enjoying their new landscape, although it already had some issues due to a less than stellar installation by the contractor. The gate and structure sagged or wobbled (the gate brace was installed backwards). The fountain leaked, and was later abandoned. It was timeContinue reading “Updating a landscape”

Remote communication

In this time of COVID-19, we can’t meet directly with clients. Luckily, we have a lot of communication methods available as long as we have internet access and electricity. For commercial projects, we get base plans from the architect or engineer, complete our work, and send it back for inclusion in the plan set asContinue reading “Remote communication”

It’s all about the views!

A series of superimposed view paths cross the back yard in two directions: fire, water, landscape, entry. Fire from the master bedroom to the fire pit, water from the house to the golf course pond, passing over the pool and spa, landscape from a sitting place under a tree to a formal citrus orchard. BeContinue reading “It’s all about the views!”

Adjusting a design

Plans are not always accurate. And even when they’re spot on, that doesn’t mean that the hardscape will go in per the plans. The result: planting areas may have more space, or less in this case. Doing an as-built survey is a major undertaking when everything has shifted. The solution? Vignettes. Vignettes are quick looksContinue reading “Adjusting a design”

Front yard living space

The plants now separate the spaces as intended: New Zealand flax separates the deck living area from the play lawn under a magnolia. The shrubs now have enough mass to separate the deck area from the street. The dymondia has filled in, as has the germander, softening hard edges and binding the landscape together. PlantsContinue reading “Front yard living space”