Some of our projects are intended for broader appreciation and aesthetics, while others are much more personalized. The Atascadero Woodland Retreat project was specifically catered to a more familial and hands-on finish with the client involved every step of the way.
Landscapes as a whole are meant to be actively enjoyed and cared for, which made this particular client’s requests exciting for us. This entire project was built upon the desire for an intimate space meant for interaction. With kids, pets, and the personalized intent of the space, we made sure that this landscape was one this family could make their own. Some of the design and construction leaned toward the traditional: paved paths, a large and intricate deck installation around their beautiful oak trees and fencing to keep kids and pets safe. But some of the project was quite innovative: rather than building out the collective vision entirely on our own, we provided planters with prepped soil and designated spaces for the clients’ own contributions and touches to the landscape.
This project required a lot of collaboration between the client, designer, and installation team, which in turn brought out the strengths of our design-build services. Thanks to the flexibility and easy communication created by our process, we were able to make well-informed design changes on-the-fly with the end result aligning with the client’s vision.
Landscaping is a living art that is first and foremost rooted in the natural canvases we are given. With the Templeton Vineyard Residence’s hilltop placement, we worked with sprawling views and gorgeous stone façades. Our job was to complement and balance those elements, bringing in texture and color to emphasize the natural landscape without blocking its stunning panorama.
Landscaping is a living art that is first and foremost rooted in the natural canvases we are given. With the Templeton Vineyard Residence’s hilltop placement, we worked with sprawling views and gorgeous stone façades. Our job was to complement and balance those elements, bringing in texture and color to emphasize the natural landscape without blocking its stunning panorama.
For this project, we installed planting, irrigation, and lighting, all of which had to be orchestrated to complement the location. With its unique location and design style—contemporary southern estate— we were able to use a different plant palette than what is ordinarily seen in North County.
Through strategic plant selection and placement, we aimed to soften some of the harder lines from the built structures without covering up the gorgeous natural stone façade. We placed some trees to frame views and used others in procession, drawing the eye across the landscape. Masses of short, flowering plants were placed before the view to the vineyard, adding color and interest to the foreground without blocking or detracting from the view. This vibrant swath of planting makes an eye-catching display, as the subtle, textural variations, tonal color changes, and seasonal interests create a softer effect that enhances the vista.
The home was designed by Isaman Design Inc. General Contracting by Mark Sullivan.
Another year come and gone, and we’ve had some great moments we wanted to share. Thank you all for your support this year! Happy Holidays from your friends at Madrone Landscapes, and cheers to another year together!
2019 continues to fly by, and as Spring came to a close we
were honored to once again participate in the California Landscape Contractor’s
Association’s Beautification Awards competition. This annual event invites Landscape
Contractors from throughout San Luis
Obispo County to submit their top projects to be judged by a panel of highly
regarded landscape professionals. Judging
of the projects is based on a strict criteria of artistic and technical
achievement, with a focus on quality and workmanship.
For this year’s event, Madrone Landscapes entered four of our recent projects, and we are excited to announce that allfour projects brought home top prizes in their respective categories! We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the projects and delve into what makes them worthy of top honors!
Project Spotlight: Gampe Residence
Category: Medium Residential Landscape Installation
Award: 1st
Place – Medium Residential Landscape Installation
Description: This project, completed in the Fall of 2018,
posed a tough design challenge as we were asked to make a big impact in a small
space. High end finishes like a stone
veneered retaining wall and a beautiful, flowing Sweetwater Flagstone patio
border helped provide the artistic touches that the Client was after. A beautiful blend of pea gravel and river
cobble does a wonderful job of complementing the drought tolerant plant palette,
creating pound for pound one of our favorite projects of the year. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results!
Project Spotlight: Humphrey Residence
Category: Large Residential Landscape Installation
Award: 1st
Place – Large Residential Landscape Installation
Description: Nestled in a beautiful North County Live Oak
forest, this project combines all that makes landscaping on the Central Coast
of California so special. The
architecture and aesthetic of the home called for an updated take on the
‘English Cottage Garden’ aesthetic, which our designers were able to accomplish
through a predominately California Native plant palette. The beautiful custom
trellises in the back yard do a wonderful job of complimenting the accents of
the home, and provide an improved level of comfort and security as you enjoy
the lawn area – which is often used to host summer concerts for the client and
their friends. Stamped and colored
concrete walkways meander through the landscape, providing safe passage while softening
the rigidity often associated with the use of concrete. Several unique seating areas provide the
perfect vantage point to enjoy the abundance of birds, butterflies and bees
that frequent the garden. Overall, this project has proven to be an achievement
worthy of recognition!
Award: Design /
Build Award – All Categories (Installation)
Architect: Jade Architecture Builder: Semmes and Co. Builders (GC)
Description: Easily one of our favorite projects of the
past year, the Pataye Residence is one that demands you stop and take
notice. The architecture of this new
home and the natural beauty of the location are amazing on their own, so we
knew that only a contemporary take on the California Native garden would
suffice. Our designers opted to use Carex praegracillis in place of traditional
lawn, and chose to irrigate with sub-surface drip irrigation – conserving
water, and falling right in line with the environmental focus of this off-grid
masterpiece. The entry courtyard features a one-of-a-kind water wall which
collects and cascades into a large reflection pool, stimulating all the senses.
The unique details and high-end features of this project made it both fun and
gratifying to work on at every phase, and we are so excited to receive this
prestigious award for our efforts!
Project Spotlight: Edwards Residence
Category: Residential Estate Maintenance
Award: Sweepstakes
Award – Best of All Categories (Maintenance)
Description: Completed in 2014, this gorgeous Madrone
landscape has been one of our favorites for a long time. The 5 acre property
features several acres of vineyard, as well as numerous outdoor living spaces
surrounded by beautiful drought tolerant landscaping. Proper planning and installation has made
this property a dream to maintain. Now, as a budding 5 year old landscape, we
felt it was time for this property to get the recognition that it
deserves. Our wonderful clients
recognize the maintenance needs of such a gorgeous property, and encourage us
to take the time to focus on the details and keep things looking their
best. Kudos to our maintenance team for
doing such a great job and bringing home the highest landscape maintenance honor
in the County!
No matter where you live, you make an impact. For communities to function well over time, conscious efforts must be made by many to contribute to the positive impact toward the development of that community, or else who will? That is stewardship. We recognize this at Madrone Landscapes, and try to do our part. https://madronelandscapes.com/about-us/stewardship/.
One recent effort that Madrone participated in was the design and installation of a low-impact landscape at El Camino Homeless Organization(ECHO). ECHO is a non-profit organization with a 50-bed transitional shelter helping families and individuals find permanent housing within three months of entering the facility. The organization is located on the Central Coast of California serving North San Luis Obispo County, and you can read more about their efforts here.
Working with ECHO’s Board of Directors, Madrone came together with community volunteers and students from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. The Madrone team and volunteers installed shade trees, screening, and a drought tolerant, native plant pallet. A quarter acre of fruit trees including apples, peaches, plums and figs were planted and a raised vegetable garden was also installed to make the most of what the facility has to offer.
Over two weekends of fun and hard work, Madrone’s general manager, Daniel Mazawa, led the charge with the help of Cal Poly professor Christie O’Hara and Rainscape manager, Victor Rocha, as 60 volunteers transformed the space into an aesthetically pleasing and functional landscape. Prior to the planting and mulching, Madrone’s build team graded the area, installed the irrigation and assembled all the needed materials. Local businesses donated irrigation parts, soil amendments and mulches. A little bit of conscious stewardship can make a big difference, and the benefits of this project will “ECHO” for years to come. The smiles say it all!
