Landscape Blog

Take a look at this residence we revisited. We removed a number of mature plants and added new low water use plants that really brighten up the property with color. Add in a new smart water saving irrigation system and an upgraded lighting system and you've got yourself a sophisticated and beautiful landscape that will stand the test of time.

Click the link to see the pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150220533650846.314900.119606945845&type=3

A well executed design will bring drama to any space by considering not only plant choices, but careful plant layout as determined by a number of factors. If you want a striking landscape that draws attention and admiration, it's not only about flower power. Sure, flowers are beautiful, but there are other means to bring attention to your landscape. Plants with contrasting foliage color and texture will bring drama to your garden. Massing, by grouping similar plants together with similar water needs will bring interest and sustainability to your garden while keeping in mind the layering of differently grouped plants depending on the plants area width. Lower planting up to two feet high is great near a lawn or landscape edge, while taller plants work well deeper in planter beds or near the house or wall. This will create a graceful transition from the low landscape to the tall house or property wall.

If you think that spring and summer are the only times of the year you can get color in your garden, you're in for a big surprise. There are a number of cool season flowering plants that bloom in vibrant colors which will blow away any drab grey winter landscape. Check out our album with just a few examples of winter flowering plants. Also, check back soon for our upcoming blog on foliage color and texture.

Click the link to go to our Facebook pics: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.498432470845.272084.119606945845&type=3

This is a project we completed a few months back. The yard was a total overhaul and completely rebuilt with the exception of the driveway. It features new pilasters with lighting along the front of the property, a new retaining wall to hold up a level lawn, new slope planting with jute mesh to help stabilize the soil, as well as new stairs and walkways with integrated lighting, and pots with drip irrigation tied into the new more efficient irrigation system. Check out the video tour below.

We've all seen how destructive wind events can be. During Autumn and Winter months Ventura County, as well as much of Southern California is hit by Santa Ana Winds, while Santa Barbara is hit by Sundowner wind events that are just as strong. In 2011, winds did significant damage, most notably in the city of Pasadena. The last days of November had record numbers, with wind gusts up to 90 mph in some areas. Much of the damage occured from fallen trees, with young trees being the most vulnerable. The root ball of a young tree small and it has not yet had the opportunity to anchor itself into the ground as well as older, more mature trees with their extensive root system. So what can we do to help protect these trees? We can stake them.

When staking a single trunk tree, make sure there are two stakes, with one on each side of the root ball edge, and perpendicular to prevailing winds so that both stakes can act simultaneously to have even pull to keep the tree firmly anchored and protected from heavy winds.

We know that regular maintenance is important, and we highly recommend regular and yearly maintenance of trees, as well as hedges and shrubs to help protect your home and anything around your property from the potential of damage. Did we mention it will make your trees and shrubs look their best too?

This is a job we recently completed in Oxnard. The clients had recently redone their old water feature into what you see here but the landscaping around it was non-existent and made it look like an oasis in the desert. After removing what was left of the old, we went about installing a new Rainbird irrigation system for all the new plantings. We then installed the artificial turf and flagstone. Finally we added all the plantings and finished it off with a layer of decorative mulch. They now have the oasis of their dreams.

See all the pictures on our Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150251758065846.324543.119606945845&type=3

This is a job we recently completed in Seabridge in Oxnard. The old plantings were outdated and a bit ragged so we spruced it up with new plants, irrigation, mulch, and lighting. Check out the before pic for a true appreciation of the transformation!

See pics on our facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150273926905846.330512.119606945845&l=7f5b4b0c07 

This is a landscaping project we recently completed in Camarillo which is near Oxnard and Thousand Oaks in Ventura County. This was the second time we had worked on the landscape at this property. This time around we removed a few truckloads of mature plantings and replanted a new palette of plants including flaxes, carpet rose, fountain grass, roses, sages, gardenias, azaleas, and alstroemerias among others. We then upgraded all the drip irrigation and applied a fresh coat of top dressing to the entire property.

You may view the phots here on our Facebook page. Enjoy!
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