Design Archives - Page 2 of 11

Your Ideal Landscape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sep 8, 2023

Plants breathe life into gardens, offering seasonal dynamism. During the spring, radiant flowers blossom, and deciduous trees flaunt lush foliage, only to become stark in winter. This landscape design guide will help you factor in these seasonal shifts for a well-thought-out strategy that beautifully balances the ever-changing nature of plant life.

However, lasting elements like hardscape materials (think concrete, stone), outdoor furniture, pergolas, fire pits, and water features provide a constant backdrop. When harmonized with seasonal plantings, these elements impart a unique ambiance throughout the year.

Wondering how to transition from a bland lawn with deteriorating surroundings to a dream garden space? This landscape design guide will help you.

The initial steps are straightforward; but as you proceed, expertise in design becomes essential. A landscape designer will greatly benefit from your preliminary research and ideas. Investing time in understanding and pinpointing your preferred landscaping styles will refine your design aspirations.

Discover Local Landscaping Styles

Embark on a neighborhood stroll. Bring along a companion to evaluate various landscape styles. Discuss the highs and lows of each design, noting standout plants and materials. Equip yourself with a notebook for jotting points and a smartphone for capturing images. Don’t restrict your exploration to just your immediate neighborhood. Venture further to discover unique architectural and landscape inspirations.

Madrone North County Native Natural Landscape

Gather Digital Inspiration

Following your local exploration, dive into the vast digital world. Platforms like Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, and HGTV are treasure troves for landscaping ideas. Tailor your online search for region-specific inspirations like California or Mediterranean landscapes, emphasizing drought-resistant or native plants. Familiarize yourself with terms like “xeric” or “ornamental grass” to better communicate with industry professionals.

Craft a Materials Palette

With a collection of inspiration at hand, start categorizing. Separate your finds into:

Character: Character photos contain a mix of elements, including furniture, architecture, vegetation, and landscape. These images are often broad angles and represent a particular style or sense of place.

Hardscape: Hardscape is the structure and backbone of a site—walls, flatwork, fountains, walkways, boulders, rock mulch—anything that is installed once and stays put. Hardscape elements are typically the biggest-ticket items, consistent throughout all seasons, and relate closely to building layout and materials.

Plant Palette: Plants breathe life into a space—yet come with a unique set of opportunities and strengths; not the least of which is need for the proper combination of sun, soil, and water. Taking plant inspiration from the neighborhood is often one of the best ways to find climate-appropriate plant selections. Even so, the microclimates within your property (particularly sun and wind exposure) may differ and affect plant viability. A palette based on the desired look can be combined with some horticultural know-how to develop a specific plant list.

Transition to Professional Collaboration

Having established your materials palette, you’ve laid a solid foundation for your landscape’s transformation. This groundwork has set the stage for the next pivotal phase. While it’s empowering to spearhead the initial steps on your own, partnering with a professional will ensure the fruition of your vision. From this point on, the subsequent steps will be a collaborative effort, where you and the landscape expert work hand in hand. Their expertise will be invaluable in bringing your landscaping dream to life, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

Madrone Landscape Design Concept Drawing Plan

Develop a Conceptual Plan

Begin the design phase with a precise base map. This should encompass utility locations, existing greenery, and structural details. If unsure, consider hiring expert help. Concept plans broadly represent proposed changes, highlighting primary features.

Sketch Ground-Level Views

Vignettes or sketched views offer a ground-level perspective of your landscape. They provide a tangible feel of the space, supplementing your concept plan. Employ tools like Adobe Photoshop for digital sketches or stick to hand-drawn illustrations.

Delve into 3D Modeling

3D modeling tools, such as Google Sketchup, can elevate your design visualization. With an accurate base map, these tools help in plotting out your envisioned space in three dimensions.

Bring Your Design to Life with Rendering

Photorealistic rendering tools like Lumion offer a tangible glimpse of the potential landscape. By blending 3D models with realistic textures and elements, you get a vivid visualization of your dream garden.

Not everyone might find all steps achievable. But even accomplishing the initial stages can significantly assist landscape designers in realizing your dream. From plan drawings to advanced visualization tools, every stage plays a crucial role in materializing the perfect landscape for you.

Contact Us for an Ideal Landscape

Ready to bring your landscaping vision to life? Connect with our landscape design team today and let’s craft your dream garden together! Reach out at [email protected] or call (805) 466-6263.

Meet the Team: Bailey Meyer, Landscape Estimator

Aug 15, 2023

Madrone Landscape welcomed Bailey Meyer to our sales and design office early this year, and she’s definitely exceeded early estimations… Since week one she’s flourished in the Construction Estimator position and added significant value within Madrone’s landscape construction efforts and company culture. Her smiling face and attention to detail have benefited both our design crew and construction teams. Welcome, Bailey, it’s been great having you!

What is your favorite thing about working at Madrone?
I like being a part of the design-build process and learning all sorts of new things.

Why are you here?
I studied Spanish and Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly. I’ve always liked learning about landscapes and what goes into building a beautiful landscape.

What is your favorite plant and why?
Of all the plants, I get great pleasure out of California Poppies because of their vibrant orange color, as orange is my favorite color. I’m also always on the lookout for Blue-eyed Grass and Dudleya while hiking through San Luis Obispo County. Maiden’s hair and Goldenback ferns are also favorites.

What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and baking for family and friends. My favorite things to bake are lemon poppy seed muffins, cinnamon rolls, pretzels, and English muffins. Additionally, I like going to the beach and having picnics in the Cal Poly Arboretum on a nice sunny day. I also dabble in plant embroidery when I find the time. My pet dog, Miss Luna, likes to accompany me on all my adventures (that her poor, old, frail, senior dog body can handle, which isn’t much these days).

Give us a fun fact about you!
I only drink water.

Sometimes, I go camping in the Sierra Nevadas and visit Bodie, my favorite landscape “in a state of arrested decay.”

The Essential Guide to Fire-Safe Landscaping in San Luis Obispo County

Aug 7, 2023

Fire Season is here again.

As the wildfire threat increases through the summer months, the question always remains: How can your landscape help?

In 2022, California had a bit of a reprieve from the destruction of 2021. While over 772 buildings were damaged or destroyed in 2022, no fires reached the size of the three largest fires in history, all from 2021. Just over 363,939 acres burned over the course of 7,667 wildfires, which was a significant decrease from the 2.6 million acres that burned in 2021. This was a welcome improvement from the previous two years, although a state of emergency was declared to support communities recovering from fires worsened by an extreme heat wave.

Property owners are at risk, to be sure, but what can we do to minimize those risks? Is it possible to improve the defensibility of our properties by landscaping wisely?

The answer is yes.

At Madrone Landscape, we have dealt with properties in high fire danger areas for decades. There are many ways to enhance the defensibility of a property, whether through plant selection and layout design or irrigation and water system strategies. Fire-resistant plants selections are available, but it is every bit as important that your plantings be well-spaced, properly pruned, and adequately watered in order for them to perform their fire-resistance function. Also, eliminating plants entirely from around structures may not be the best or only option. Properly chosen plants can catch air-born fire embers, letting them die out harmlessly, and plants’ roots are often vital to control erosion after a fire event.

For the latest recommendations on ways to make your family and home more fire safe, visit the SLO County Community Fire Safe Council website.

Defensible Space – Defensive Landscaping

What you plant in your yard, and where you plant it, can be just as important as how your home is built. When in the path of a wildfire, your garden and lawn can become fuel for the flames. But, by learning the different zones around your property, you can create a more fire-safe home.

Immediate Zone: 0–5 feet from the furthest attached exterior point of the structure. This is the most important zone, as fire in this area will present the greatest danger to your house. This area should be kept irrigated and clear of debris at all times.

Top Fire-Resistant Landscaping for the Immediate Zone:

Plants up to 18 inches tall that are low-volume (not thick and bushy)
Plants with a high moisture content, such as succulents
Grasses a maximum of 3 inches tall
Tree branches trimmed 10 feet up
Area is irrigated and kept clean
Use of rock mulch against the house (instead of bark mulch)
Removal of all dead, dying, and diseased vegetation from gutters, ground, roof, and exterior attic vents

Intermediate Zone: 5–30 feet from the furthest exterior point of the structure. The goal of this zone is to reduce the available fuel in order to slow a ground fire. Larger shrubs and trees can be introduced here, as long as a distance that is twice their height separates them. This will prevent the “fire ladder” effect, where fires jump from one clump of shrubbery or trees (fuel) to another. Grass in this area should be mowed to 6”. This area should be kept irrigated and maintained.

Top Fire-Resistant Landscaping for Intermediate Zone:

Succulents, small to medium shrubs
Trees at least 10 feet apart and tree crowns 10 feet off the ground
Lower tree limbs removed 6–15 feet from the ground
Grass a maximum of 6 inches tall
Shrubs separated by two times their height (a 6 foot shrub will be at least 12 feet from its neighbor)

Extended Zone: 30–100 feet, as far as 200 feet, from the furthest exterior point of the structure. The major effort here should be to thin existing vegetation and remove debris to interrupt and reduce potential fires.

Top Fire-Resistant Landscaping for the Extended Zone:

Low to medium height plants
Grass mowed to 18–13 inches
Plants grouped in “islands” for water efficiency
Dead branches, leaves, and litter removed

Landscaping in fire-prone areas should try to create a fire safe buffer—a defensive space—around your structure. On top of everything else, it is crucial to ensure there is a deliberately clear path to the structure for firefighters, ensuring both their safety and yours. Taking these measures can make it easier and safer for them to save properties from wildfires.

Looking for some inspiration and additional information?

Fire Safe Demonstration Gardens

Next time you visit the Mid-State Fairgrounds, check out the Madrone design-build fire safe landscape surrounding the Fire Safe Council Building. In addition to examples of appropriate hardscape materials, rock mulch and boulder options, and fire-resistant furnishings, a variety of informational materials are posted around the landscape.

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden has a Fire Safe Demonstration Garden located at 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. They are open daily during daylight hours. The Gift Shop and Office are open 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday.

Visit the UC Master Gardener Program‘s Demo Garden and their Fire Safe Landscape display at Garden of the Seven Sisters, 2156 Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo.

Get more tips from the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden’s Fire Safe Landscaping Brochure and the University of California’s Home Landscaping for Fire publication.

Make your landscape defensible. We can help! Contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

On the Boards: Paso Robles Industrial Landscape

Jun 27, 2023

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.

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

Jun 15, 2023

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.

Modern Templeton Oasis: Landscape Transformation of Two Country Acres

May 12, 2023

This modern Templeton outdoor renovation is an example of large-scale landscape design that will completely transform a two-acre country property into a cohesive and personalized residential landscape. The design, created by Madrone, features a range of features that enhance the overall aesthetic and function of the space.

Welcoming Entry Features

One of the most notable improvements to the property are the welcoming entry features that include a stone veneer courtyard wall and custom metal pedestrian gate. This design element leads guests to a tastefully planted entryway that is both welcoming and visually appealing. The large driveway turnaround is bordered by a simple palette of light-toned flowers and hardy shrubs that add a touch of natural beauty to the space

Improved Landscape Views

Another notable feature is the improved view that was created for the property owners. Evergreen trees and shrubs were located in certain areas to provide privacy from neighboring properties. Conversely, the addition of a modern cable railing that encloses the dedicated dog ranging areas creates an unobstructed view of the renovated landscape. An existing board-form concrete wall is extended to provide level space for a large lawn area, and nearby solar panels were screened with a natural arrangement of evergreen plantings.

Templeton Oasis Madrone Landscape

Increased Functionality and Cohesive Design

The design also includes two new lawn amenity areas, formalized parking, and multiple paths and circulation routes that add to the functionality of the space. The attractive planting palette features a mix of new olive trees, existing oaks, Manzanita, Rosemary, Boxwood, Gaura, Pittosporum, Sweet Bays, Viburnum, and Evergreen Miscanthus that adds muted color and texture to the landscape design.

The use of a warm stone texture motif that is carried throughout the landscape design creates a cohesive and inviting space for relaxation and entertainment. The property is now a unique and attractive space that is perfect for modern living. The attention to detail and use of natural & textured materials creates a cohesive and visually appealing space that is both welcoming and relaxing.

Landscape Transformation Madrone Landscape

Let us know if we can help you create your dream modern landscape. Contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263 to learn more about our landscape design services.

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