water wise Archives - Madrone Landscape

Fertigation: Fertilize and Irrigate in One Step

Mar 4, 2024

Set it, forget it. Give plants the nutrients without all the hassle.

Irrigation in California’s Central Coast is a crucial supplement to little rainfall. For plants and gardens that need more, applying controlled amounts of water also contributes to soil moisture from groundwater.

Fertilization, too, supplements its environment. Plants need a number of chemical elements to grow and thrive, from nitrogen to potassium. Fertilization can help otherwise struggling plants flourish by simply bringing the soil up to their needs.

Fertigation is the combination of both supplements, serving as a nutrient delivery system for landscapes. Fertilizer is delivered in the irrigated water and can use drip irrigation, spray nozzles, or heads.

How We Do It

Madrone Operations Manager Erik Gorham has provided fertigation services for almost a decade. He uses the EZ-FLO products to treat a wide variety of landscape issues. The process is as simple as our trained Madrone team installing a dispensing system in the valve box connected to the main line of a preexisting sprinkler system. “You really can forget about it, because part of our landscape maintenance program includes filling the unit with fertilizer every four to six weeks,” Erik shares.

We use Red Frog Compost Teas as part of our organic fertilizer program. The compost tea improves soil and plant health by improving nutrient availability and retention in the soil. “Biology feeds the plant,” explains Erik. “Typically, what plants need is in the soil. But if your soil is depleted, the worm castings offer an excellent soil amendment that is safe around children and pets.”

Savings on labor and energy costs can quickly offset the initial investment in a fertigation system. A homeowner who lives in an area affected by drought or water restrictions may prefer fertigation because they can better manage the nutrients and water supply going to their landscape—as well as increase water efficiency. It also gives them the ability to add nutrients directly into the root zone that may be otherwise difficult to access.

Erik sees it as an affordable investment to every landscape. “You chose your plants carefully. Help them mature more quickly and stay healthy by using this easy fertilizer system all year round.”

Learn more about our maintenance services. For more details, contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

On the Boards: Spotlight on San Miguel Apartments Landscape Design

Oct 18, 2023

An Ambitious Project with a Historic Connection

Situated near the iconic San Miguel Mission, the design of San Miguel Apartments incorporates the timeless California Mission style. Our aim was to create an environment that not only complements the architectural elements of the apartments but also pays homage to the mission and the surrounding community.

Water-Efficient Irrigation

Given California’s water conservation requirements, our irrigation plan was crafted meticulously to be water efficient. Our experts used smart water calculations to meet or exceed state guidelines without compromising the beauty of the landscape.

Embracing the Mission

Our planting plan was designed to align with the mission style of the proposed apartment buildings. We incorporated native plants and traditional elements to create a harmonious blend of old and new.

Safety for Residents

In any landscaping project, safety is paramount. For San Miguel Apartments, the challenge was to design a planting plan that considers the safety of the residents while still maintaining aesthetic integrity. Specifically, we focused on avoiding dense plantings that could potentially block visibility or encourage loitering. Our design team conducted multiple revisions to ensure that the landscape will be both beautiful and secure.

The San Miguel Apartments project presents a unique intersection of history, community, and modern landscape design. We are currently in the design phase and are excited about bringing this vision to life. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to make progress on this incredible project. If you’re a homeowner or business in the California Central Coast area interested in landscaping services, we invite you to get in touch with us at Madrone Landscape.

If you’re a homeowner or business in the California Central Coast area interested in transforming your landscape, Madrone Landscape is here to make your vision a reality. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263 for all your landscaping needs.

On the Boards: Toad Creek Terrace Multifamily Development

Oct 18, 2023

Landscape Design in Templeton, CA

Nestled on the scenic slopes above Toad Creek in Templeton, CA, Toad Creek Terrace is a multi-family residential project that effortlessly marries cutting-edge design with environmental consciousness. Our mission at Madrone Landscape was to provide a landscape design that not only complements the native surroundings and also meets state water-use guidelines.

Water-Smart Design

Understanding California’s water conservation landscape, our irrigation strategy for Toad Creek Terrace was meticulously crafted to be efficient. We utilized advanced calculations to create an irrigation system that meets or even exceeds state regulations, without sacrificing the integrity of the design.

Harmonizing with Nature

Our planting plan for Toad Creek Terrace was created with an awareness of the project’s unique geographical settings. To harmonize with the local flora, especially the native oak trees, we integrated a palette of native and Mediterranean plants. This allows us to offer a modern aesthetic while preserving the natural feel of the surrounding area.

Toad Creek Terrace stands as a compelling example of how innovative design can be married with environmental consciousness. We are delighted with the final outcome—a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape that resonates with both residents and the natural surroundings.

If you’re a residential or commercial property owner in the California Central Coast looking to elevate your outdoor spaces, we at Madrone Landscape are here to bring your vision to life. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any landscaping services at [email protected] or give us a call at (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.

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