drought tolerant | Madrone Landscape

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.

On the Boards: San Luis Obispo Custom Modern Landscape Design

Apr 14, 2023

Discover how we transformed this San Luis Obispo residence into a refined oasis that maximizes usable space, while striking a balance between openness and privacy.

Our backyard design expands the patio space and incorporates improved screening using fencing, shrubs, and a pergola. With new landscape lighting, the client can enjoy this space long after the sun sets.

For the front yard, we created a welcoming entrance with seating on a clean, contemporary patio. The carefully curated plant palette ensures privacy, while a low decorative fence provides a stylish separation from the street.

Our goal was to achieve an airy, alfresco feel while maintaining a sense of roominess. Despite the site’s limited square footage, we used innovative methods to create a landscape that feels open and inviting. The pergola in the backyard is designed to be more open, creating an airy atmosphere while still providing ample cover.

Trust us to create your dream outdoor space. Contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263 to learn more about our landscape design services.

On the Boards: United Staffing Associates | Paso Robles

Mar 9, 2023

Motivated to reduce water and improve curb appeal, this United Staffing Associates landscape is a stylistic and drought-tolerant retrofit for a previously generic, high-water landscape. We removed all lawn and replaced with drip-irrigated planting, decorative cobble, and a small area of artificial turf.

As a high-traffic location right along the main street of the City of Paso Robles, we took great care in selecting plants that will be attention-catching but hardy. The symmetry of the planting layout is intentionally modern and clean with a blend of colors that complement the company logo.

All this was done without having to disturb any of the existing pavement or parking lot—including during our irrigation retrofit. This transformed landscape was delivered with care both for the future and the present, reducing maintenance costs, water needs, and above all, creating a beautiful outdoor environment for everyone passing through.

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

« Older Entries