Architectural landscape plans.

Hot summer days are standard fare in Cloverdale and our artistic clients sought to create lush gardens and a pool landscape to cool off themselves and the atmosphere. What started off as an oddly fenced/divided and barren lot, transformed into a theme led by circular shapes including weaving pathway and patio spaces united by arching forms complimented by garden statues, stonework, and low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and sustainability focused plantings.

Phase 1 included working with the city to maximize the pool dimensions as well as usable patio space which pushed the pool into the outer corners and warranted addition of a dry stacked sonoma fieldstone borderwall and oxidized steel panel fencing to compliment the dark woodwork of the residence. Sourcing local Sonoma Fieldstone adds a sustainable landscape focus to the area, limiting trucking/import burdens. Planting spaces were tight, so we opted for formal borders of cypress trees augmented by well lighting from below along with ornamental grass borders, each of which take advantage of vertical space along the fencing without impeding on the limited square footage of the area. Lastly a pergola was constructed to provide definition and additional shade along with a ceiling fan and options for hanging baskets.

Phase 2 entirely reworked the side yard which had old intrusive fencing separating a larger space. We dramatically reimagined its potential by opening the space up for arching pathways and a round decomposed granite patio as a focal point outlined by inlaid Mexican Pebble. Multiblend flagstone, recycled clay pottery pieces inlaid in decomposed granite, added unique flare and bolstered the theme of circular shapes and curves of varying dimension. Planting palettes enhances the open flowing feel of the space by remaining low growing, varied in soft textures, yet primarily lush green selections with architectural highlights of flowering perennials accentuated by vertical elements such as Cotinus ‘Smokebush’, Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ grasses, and Acer ‘Tamukeyama’ Japanese Maple.

Creating a low-maintenance, low-water use, sustainability focused landscape while also cooling off the feeling of hot summer days in Cloverdale presented challenges which we addressed with CA Native plantings, locally sourced and recycled materials, alongside high-end design choices to blend the margins between refined and naturalistic design principles.

Gallery Photos!