Nestled in a brook side valley with mature oaks and redwoods, this property in Lafayette, CA, was transformed from water-loving lawns and birch trees, to a thoughtfully revitalized low water use garden.
The team, led by David Thorne Landscape Architecture, were tasked with designing a family garden with plants that could withstand and thrive in the heat and drought of the California climate. They took inspiration from the Mediterranean architecture of the property, which naturally informed some of the key planting choices.
'We used many drought-tolerant plants from that part of the world, such as bay laurel, lavender, and teucrium,' says Principal David Thorne. 'We often specify CA native plants that are more adapted to summer dry spells, and try to incorporate these into every project, particularly on the perimeters of the larger landscapes that border wild areas with native trees and habitats.' Here we take a closer look at this stunning garden design, and spotlight the key planting and landscaping elements.
'The reimagined space includes Mediterranean style plantings featuring beautiful fountains and vineyards,' says David. 'The pool and spa terrace is complemented by two locally sourced willow-covered trellises, which create a peaceful outdoor retreat.'
'Artistic custom features such as a sound-dampening fence along a busy street, a unique gate, and a naturalistic putting green all seamlessly integrate into the existing landscape, helping create a serene atmosphere for our clients and their family.'
As we move in toward the planting areas immediately surrounding the house, David explains how many clients want year-round color and layered, lush planting. 'Drip irrigation keeps these plants more vibrant, rather than moving into a summer dormancy,' he says.
'For two decades, we've worked with industry leaders in irrigation to specify drip systems which greatly reduce runoff and water waste. In the form of the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance, adopted nine years ago, we do water-use calculations based on planting design and square footage of landscapes, and select plants that will keep the project below its maximum water budget,' David explains.
'This ordinance also requires other means to save on water use, such as soil testing to indicate appropriate horticultural choices, mulching, smart irrigation controllers that respond to local weather conditions, and other equipment to aide in automatic water conservation.'
'We used long-lived shrubs and ornamental grasses such as Loropetalum, Abelia, Pittosporum, Lomandra and Miscanthus, to create the foundation of the beds, and then interspersed with pops of long-lived color - ground cover roses, perennial sages, and catmints,' says David.
The existing native oak trees, with their low water requirements, along with the Mediterranean colors of the home, called for other California native plants, such as CA lilacs.
The team also included a plethora of Mediterranean-climate species, such as olives, lavender, bay laurels, variegated Italian buckthorn, and Australian coast rosemary.
'The red foliage of the purple leaf plums, barberry, and forest pansy redbuds, punctuates the verdant evergreen spaces, and provides extended seasonal interest with fall color and spring blooms,' says David.
Design Team: David Thorne, Kristina Kessel & Ryan Minahan
General Contractor: Branagh Development
Interior Designer: Sandra Brown Interiors
Landscape Contractor: Leisure Escapes
Photography: Paul Dyer Photography
Art Director-Photos: Quintana Kardel
Pool Contractor: Nature’s Reflection
Architect: Left Coast Architecture
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