Embracing Spring: A Guide to Mediterranean-Inspired Landscapes

Embracing Spring: A Guide to Mediterranean-Inspired Landscapes

Bring the Mediterranean Magic to Your Central Coast Landscape This Spring!

Spring has sprung on the Central Coast, and with it comes the urge to refresh and revitalize your outdoor space. Here at Madrone Landscape, we understand your desire to create a beautiful and flourishing California haven.

Did you know that our region shares a unique climate with several other parts of the world? This “Mediterranean climate,” characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, is found in California, Central Chile, the Mediterranean Basin, South Africa’s Cape Region, and Southwestern Australia. This common thread opens a door to a world of stunning plant possibilities for your Central Coast garden.

Why Consider Mediterranean Plants?

  • Climate-Smart: Plants from these regions are naturally adapted to thrive in conditions similar to ours, requiring less maintenance and water.
  • Year-Round Beauty: Many Mediterranean plants boast vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, extending the visual interest of your landscape throughout the year.
  • Unique Selection: Explore a diverse range of plants beyond the typical California natives, adding a touch of the exotic to your garden.

5 Eye-Catching Mediterranean Plants for Your Spring Landscape

1. California Native Cornus sericea (Creek Dogwood)
  • Eye-catching Feature: Vibrant red stems that add winter interest.
  • Growth Habit: Deciduous shrub, reaching 8-12 feet tall and wide.
  • Blooms: Clusters of creamy white flowers in spring and summer.
  • Light Preference: Partial shade.
  • Water Needs: Moderate watering, especially during dry months.

2. Mediterranean Basin – Laurus nobilis (Sweet Bay)
  • Perfect For: An aromatic evergreen tree with culinary uses.
  • Growth Habit: Reaches 20-30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
  • Blooms: Small yellow flowers in spring, followed by deep purple berries.
  • Deer Resistant? Yes!
  • Water Needs: Low water user once established.

3. South Africa – Aloe striata (Coral Aloe)
  • Standout Feature: Brilliant coral-pink to orange flowers in spring.
  • Growth Habit: Succulent with a 2-foot-wide rosette of broad, pale green leaves.
  • Light Preference: Full sun.
  • Water Needs: Minimal water required.
  • Attracts: Hummingbirds.

4. Central Chile – Maytenus boaria (Maytens Tree)
  • Unique Characteristic: Graceful weeping form with light green, evergreen foliage.
  • Growth Habit: Small tree reaching over 30 feet tall.
  • Blooms: Tiny, inconspicuous spring flowers.
  • Light and Water: Full sun and ample summer water.

5. Southwestern Australia – Grevillea ‘Canberra Gem’ (Spider Flower)
  • Multi-Functional: Provides beauty and acts as a barrier plant.
  • Growth Habit: Shrub reaching 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
  • Blooms: Red flower clusters starting in early spring and blooming intermittently.
  • Attracts: Butterflies and birds.
  • Water Needs: Occasional deep soakings, prefers good drainage.

Ready to Breathe Life into Your Landscape?

The experts at Madrone Landscape can help you design and create a flourishing California-Mediterranean paradise. Contact us today for a consultation and let’s transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis! Email  [email protected] or call (805) 466-6263.

On the Boards: Toad Creek Terrace Multifamily Development

On the Boards: Toad Creek Terrace Multifamily Development

Landscape Design in Templeton, CA

Nestled on the scenic slopes above Toad Creek in Templeton, CA, Toad Creek Terrace is a multi-family residential project that effortlessly marries cutting-edge design with environmental consciousness. Our mission at Madrone Landscape was to provide a landscape design that not only complements the native surroundings and also meets state water-use guidelines.

Water-Smart Design

Understanding California’s water conservation landscape, our irrigation strategy for Toad Creek Terrace was meticulously crafted to be efficient. We utilized advanced calculations to create an irrigation system that meets or even exceeds state regulations, without sacrificing the integrity of the design.

Harmonizing with Nature

Our planting plan for Toad Creek Terrace was created with an awareness of the project’s unique geographical settings. To harmonize with the local flora, especially the native oak trees, we integrated a palette of native and Mediterranean plants. This allows us to offer a modern aesthetic while preserving the natural feel of the surrounding area.

Toad Creek Terrace stands as a compelling example of how innovative design can be married with environmental consciousness. We are delighted with the final outcome—a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape that resonates with both residents and the natural surroundings.

If you’re a residential or commercial property owner in the California Central Coast looking to elevate your outdoor spaces, we at Madrone Landscape are here to bring your vision to life. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any landscaping services at [email protected] or give us a call at (805) 466-6263.

On the Boards: Spotlight on San Miguel Apartments Landscape Design

On the Boards: Spotlight on San Miguel Apartments Landscape Design

An Ambitious Project with a Historic Connection

Situated near the iconic San Miguel Mission, the design of San Miguel Apartments incorporates the timeless California Mission style. Our aim was to create an environment that not only complements the architectural elements of the apartments but also pays homage to the mission and the surrounding community.

Water-Efficient Irrigation

Given California’s water conservation requirements, our irrigation plan was crafted meticulously to be water efficient. Our experts used smart water calculations to meet or exceed state guidelines without compromising the beauty of the landscape.

Embracing the Mission

Our planting plan was designed to align with the mission style of the proposed apartment buildings. We incorporated native plants and traditional elements to create a harmonious blend of old and new.

Safety for Residents

In any landscaping project, safety is paramount. For San Miguel Apartments, the challenge was to design a planting plan that considers the safety of the residents while still maintaining aesthetic integrity. Specifically, we focused on avoiding dense plantings that could potentially block visibility or encourage loitering. Our design team conducted multiple revisions to ensure that the landscape will be both beautiful and secure.

The San Miguel Apartments project presents a unique intersection of history, community, and modern landscape design. We are currently in the design phase and are excited about bringing this vision to life. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to make progress on this incredible project. If you’re a homeowner or business in the California Central Coast area interested in landscaping services, we invite you to get in touch with us at Madrone Landscape.

If you’re a homeowner or business in the California Central Coast area interested in transforming your landscape, Madrone Landscape is here to make your vision a reality. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263 for all your landscaping needs.

On the Boards: Paso Robles Industrial Landscape

On the Boards: Paso Robles Industrial Landscape

While we are certainly better known for our award-winning residential designs, we are often asked to help design commercial and industrial landscapes as well. We are currently in design on this Paso Robles commercial site, in collaboration with our good friend and architect, Nick Gilman. The client’s primary goals for the project are to establish a low-maintenance, low water-use landscape that will complement the industrial aesthetic of the building’s architecture and provide some much-needed summer shade for the established parking areas.

We know from experience that commercial landscapes are not usually meant to be showy, and that they often find themselves neglected over time. As with any commercial design project, we started this project by establishing a bulletproof plant palette of long-lived trees, foundation shrubs, and groundcovers. Plant selections for commercial landscapes should always be sized appropriately to the planter area they will inhabit, taking into consideration the mature size of the species, thereby reducing maintenance requirements, and ensuring that even a neglected landscape will still look relatively well kept.

Tree selection can be especially important in commercial landscaping. Mature trees provide shade, seasonal interest, and scale to an otherwise nondescript site. This site will feature the consistent evergreen appeal of the seldom-used Holly Oak, alongside the deciduous Chinese Pistache and Raywood Ash trees. In fall, the deciduous trees will surely be the star of the show with their varying leaf color. In addition to the traditional landscape plans for this site, we have also developed a realistic 3-D model of the mature landscape, allowing the architect and owner to confidently ‘see into the future’ and appraise their tree and plant selections.

Paso-Robles-Landscape-Madrone

Altogether, this landscape is set to be colorful, dynamic, water-wise, and most importantly, easy to maintain. We’re excited to see this project break ground and come to life over the next year or so. If we can help you with an upcoming commercial landscape project, please be sure to reach out – [email protected] or give us a call at (805) 466-6263.

On the Boards: Atascadero Oasis

On the Boards: Atascadero Oasis

Designed to succeed in the Atascadero climate, this Mediterranean-style oasis provides ample space for play, multi-functional entertainment features, and the tropical airs of the lush plant selections. The 7,000-SF design-build project is shaping up to be an inviting retreat for family and friends.

Its multi-purpose entertainment spaces include a pool, fire feature, outdoor kitchen, and reduced-footprint lawn that transitions to a patio. The custom kiva fireplace wall is built to warm colder nights and cozy up the recessed seating area just past the pool and mountable movie projector screen. The outdoor kitchen and bar seating make for picture-perfect socializing and party hosting.

Chock-full of fun elements and smooth transitions, this thoughtful and cohesive landscape is sure to be a delightful retreat for both family and guests.

Want more information on our landscape design services? Contact our landscape designers at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.