We were hired as a sustainable landscape design build team to transform this old sprawling lawn into a creative dreamscape for this client. Certain parameters came up during our first meeting including their desire for a lush low-water alternative to a traditional lawn, pathways to the driveway and curb, a place to experiment with succulent gardening, and a barrier preventing neighborhood dogs from doing their business in the landscape. With these items in mind, we set out to create a head turning landscape in the flatlands right off the edge of downtown Santa Rosa.
Rather than jump straight to fencing as a solution for keeping dogs off their front yard, we implemented a three pronged solution by utilizing raised steel planters to create an architectural showpiece, area for succulent gardening, and barrier for unwanted pets. We custom fabricated these beds in place specifically to fit the curved sidewalk edge, allowing us to layer low plantings from ground level up to chest height so each level can be viewed and various succulents could put on a grand display of color and texture.
Addressing the lush entry area – we opted for a native no-mow fescue lawn that uses a fraction of the water of traditional turf grass and lends a stunning meadow aesthetic to the area as well as complimenting the curved custom cut bluestone pathways which unite both entries into one at the front porch. Statement plants occupy the perimeter including the stunning Yucca rostrata, Smokebush, Leucadendron and more.
