This courtyard, once solid concrete, is now a lush planter with an integral reflexology path, designed to massage and stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet.
The planting palette includes Daylilies (Hemerocallis), Coral Bells (Heuchera), Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii ), and a Tamukeyama Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamukeyama).
The east side of Paso Robles is characterized by Oak Savannahs, rolling golden hills, and intense dry summer heat. This straw bale construction home, designed for modern sustainability, protects those inside from extreme temperatures outside.
The garden similarly acts as a beautiful refuge, insulating the home from the surrounding savannah, while blending colors and textures picked up from both the natural setting and the architecture of the home. Drifts of pastel colors surround elegant patios to give a feel of being situated within a field of outstanding wildflowers, while still maintaining calculated patterns with four-season appeal.
Winner of Outstanding Achievement for Large Residential Maintenace in 2013
Winner of CLCA’s Outstanding Xeriscape Statewide in 2007
This setting offers beauty from every angle. Driving up to the residence, visitors are greeted with a series of dg paths and a grand display of native and Mediterranean plants. Some of the selections, like New Zealand Flax and Cape Rush, offer year-round interest, while the seasonal bloomers such as yarrow, create a profusion of color during their bloom period.
Walking around to the other side of the house, the backyard reveals its vast expanse. On one end, a natural stone firepit and seating area await the perfect winter night. Above that sits a series of steps leading to a gazebo that overlooks the vineyards. Across the way, a large wooden pergola shades the patio – offering relief from the hot summer sun. Nearby, surrounded by California native plants, sits a bubbling boulder fountain. All the elements together create a landscape perfectly suited for every season.
First planted by the Atascadero Native Tree Association in 1992, this garden was established by members of the community. 25 years later, in 2017, a renovation project was designed and installed by Madrone in collaboration with the City of Atascadero, the Atascadero Mutual Water Company, and many other sponsors and volunteers.
After successful volunteer events, the Lake Park Native Garden now sits as an iconic display of California native plants.
This residence lies in the backcountry of San Miguel. The entry to the property features natural stone retaining walls and native plantings to create a warm welcome.
The house has large lawns for little ones to play barefoot on, as well as plenty of space for larger gatherings, in addition to a series of planters showcasing a variety of native and Mediterranean plant species.
Down below, an epic fenced-in play area is made an icon of the property. Climbing rocks, wooden playhouses, slides, and swings are shaded by large trees and cushioned by soft grasses and perennials – bringing a childhood dream to life.
