Harmony Ranch

Harmony Ranch

Harmony Ranch | Harmony, CA

The surrounding coastal hills of this residence are prone to heavy winds and beautiful vistas. In an effort to shield this home from view from the road, a large grassy mound protects the home from prevailing wind and hides it from sight. The native and drought-tolerant grasses flow in the wind and simulate a contemporary version of the surrounding grass-covered hills. A mixture of pervious gravel and modular concrete situate use patterns, while the native mature Oak trees provide instant habitat.

The deer-fenced orchard and vegetable garden features raised planters, composting bins, and a pavilion, mostly constructed with locally sourced redwood.

Landscape Design: Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape | Landscape Construction: Madrone Landscape | Residence Architect: Studio 2G | Residence Contractor: Semmes & Co. Builders, Inc.

Modern Vineyard Overlook

Modern Vineyard Overlook

Modern Vineyard Overlook | Paso Robles, CA

Set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Paso Robles wine country, this modern residence takes full advantage of the expansive setting. Landscape elements are positioned to complement the views across the valley in almost 360 degrees, while providing color and verdance in the foreground area. Waving grasses and reeds provide motion in the landscape, while agave lend a year-round modern touch within hardscape areas. Oaks will add long-term value to the design, while fruit trees planted along a slope provide annual productivity for the enjoyment of the owners and guests. The artificial turf lawn is a low-maintenance extension of the pool deck, with strong edges in keeping with the architecture.

 

Landscape Design & Construction: Madrone Landscape
Architect: Studio Prime Architecture

Water-Wise Floral

Water-Wise Floral

Water-Wise Floral | Atascadero, CA

Covered in wall-to-wall blooms, this Atascadero back yard is a true retreat for the flower gardener and proof that low-water landscapes can be showy and colorful. Nestled among a rainbow of colorful perennials, the space now features an inviting covered patio, artificial turf lawn and putting green, dry creek and more.

A goal of this project was to reduce water usage. Formerly a conventional lawn, now a drought-tolerant landscape with lots of color and interest, the palette includes red salvia and penstemon, purple seaside daisy and nepeta, yellow coreopsis and yarrow, white roses, and plenty of green grasses and foliage. Better yet, this lawn will always be green!

Landscape Design & Construction: Madrone Landscape

Woodland Waterfall Patio

Woodland Waterfall Patio

Woodland Fire & Waterfall  | Atascadero, CA

Nestled between an existing oak woodland and a new Spanish-style house, this custom landscape includes just about everything for a sweet hangout spot! The built-in pondless waterfall feature takes advantage of the drop in elevation to the new fire pit zone, and a curved flagstone and stucco bench defines the edge of the patio zone while directing the eye to the water feature. Sweetwater flagstone edges the custom stamped and colored patio space, with a clean stucco BBQ island that includes custom precast concrete countertops. A triangular shade sail offer protection in the summer heat, while the weathered steel fire feature provides evening warmth and ambiance. The design includes an array of complementary textures and materials with a native-heavy plant palette softening hardscape edges.   

Landscape Design and Construction: Madrone Landscape

California Native Oasis

California Native Oasis

California Native Oasis | Atascadero, CA

Situated on a corner near the entrance to a planned development in Atascadero, homeowners sought both privacy and a multi-use entertainment space planted with a low-maintenance, native palette. Live-ability was their primary focus, seeking sensible choices for a landscape that would function well for their family and lifestyle. The finished project was formed from a strong vision and a willingness to wait for the most ideal amenities to be developed, resulting in a balanced and precise personal oasis.

A mortarless retaining wall, wide sidewalk of permeable pavers, and low stucco wall shield an inviting yet private front patio from the street. A local boulder with a core-drilled center serves as a vanishing fountain flanked by two benches made from recycled cypress logs. Two of the seven varieties of manzanita on the property grace the porch: the Manzanita morroensis, native to Morro Bay, and the Dr. Hurd, a multi-branched tree with glossy light green leaves.

Past a south facing raised vegetable bed and fruit trees, a wide path winds through tall deer grass on its way to the backyard, pool, and patio. A curving, elevated bed of stacking stone along one side of the pool decking is wide enough to sit on, full of native plants and another vanishing fountain.

An outdoor poolside kitchen provides a focal point for the backyard. Rough-sawn, horizontal siding covers the existing fence and continues along the back of the structure as a sliding barn door to conceal pool equipment. Slender veldt grass, Carpenteria Bush Anemone, carex, and potted succulents hug the various stone surface treatments. The cypress bar is recycled from the same log as the front benches.

Landscape Design, Construction, and Maintenance: Madrone Landscape