Landscape Design
Today’s western landscapes need to combine an emphasis on sustainability along with the other elements of traditional landscape design. At Madrone, recognition of the need for environmental responsibility has been integral to our approach from our beginnings in the 1970s. How do we design gardens to be beautiful, functional AND more sustainable? To begin with, we start with a plan. It can be anything from a napkin sketch to elaborate CAD-generated construction documents.
Demonstration garden exhibit @ San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden 2009
Any landscape plan should include an analysis of the site, which considers the various environmental factors involved, such as soil, exposure, wind, slope and drainage, water and existing vegetation.
The proposed use of the site is obviously vital to consider as well, including the users. How will it be used by children, teens, adults, seniors, physically challenged… and how about pets?
Here also is the wish list regarding the functions of the landscape.
For example:
1. vegetable and herb gardens
2. turf areas (keep turf to a minimum)
3. other play areas including swings and sandboxes
4. think about erosion control
5. drainage
6. wildlife habitat
7. entertainment considerations like barbeques
8. patios, decks, fences and other enclosures
9. benches, lighting
10. passive areas for meandering or just sitting
11. storage areas, pet areas
12. water features like pools, spas, and fountains
Combining all these dimensions of landscape wants and needs into a creative, beautiful, useful and valuable addition to your property is our passion at Madrone Landscapes. Whether you have a design in mind or already completed, or are looking for good ideas of any scope, Madrone can pick it up and transform your property.