PORTFOLIO
Ola
Grandes
Aptos Retreat in the
Santa Cruz Hills
Having
spent 2 years in the design and installation of this landscape project
I developed a personal relationship with the land.
Spending time, on site, through all seasons.
Kate and Stuart's home was a sanctuary for them and the perfect place for
their family retreat. A home that incorporated the outdoors as part
of their living space. The main focus of my design was a sustainable landscape
in harmony with the earth - friendly architecture and my client’s
lifestyle. Equally important was to design with awareness and
respect for bio diversity and the natural habitat of the properties
ecosystem.
All pathways doubled as sub surface drainage to avoid erosion from the driving rains in this area of the Aptos Hills.
All trees, aside from 3
dead firs, remained to set the stage for what was incorporated. The
pool fencing was constructed from resurfaced redwood and pathway
steps were cut from aged felled redwood, the seats around the fire
pit were old tree logs mimicking the surrounding redwood forest.
The planting palette needed to be resistant to
Deer and Turkey so the use of native plants and grasses, succulents
and herbs worked well. The house water tank was shared with irrigation use,
which resulted in a reduction of water. Low care plants were a high priority in
selection of all planting.
The owners wanted a 'play lawn' area so the use of
native bent grass lawn was perfect for volleyball, horseshoe and
lounging. It is maintained with minimal water and maintenance. The watering system for
the native and drought tolerant plants is achieved by a drip system that realizes a
reduction of water usage of 50% once the plants have established.
As of now the second year of inception we have not lost
any plants to deer (only some nibbling) we had roosting issues with
the turkeys but found an agreeable solution. No not thanksgiving
dinner!
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Beach House
Santa Cruz
This landscape design
project for Kim and Mike was memorable, taking their
plant passion and going with it. From our first meeting
they were clear decision makers, knowing what plants
they wanted to see in their garden. The beach house that
was designed by the talented Warren Tamashiro took
several years from design to completion. During the
building phase I visited the site regularly to
investigate and plan how to integrate the existing
landscape into our landscaping vision.
The home was contemporary in style built using exposed
concrete, wood and steel. The landscape complimented the
contemporary lines of the architecture and reflected a
tropical flavor. This is a family friendly home with hot
tub, outdoor shower and seating area, which on cooler
evenings is warmed by the gas fire ring. We located the
outdoor shower in a private area near the surfboard shed
and private exercise room.
The landscape was pivotal in creating a sanctuary place
and to diffuse street noise. The walkways were poured in
situ concrete slabs that covered the sub surface drainage
to this flat lot.
The lawns are a great play area for the children and
family pets in the warm months and soaked up the rain
during the rain season.
Plant foliage was a primary element with flowers forming
an accent to the design. Many large leaved, variegated
shrubs and grasses were used as a back drop, protected
by the building and fences. The front yard contains wind
and salt air tolerant planting. A rustling hedge of
clumping bamboo (with root guard) flanks the entry way
and softens the scene. The large trees screen strategic
areas of the second floor without compromising the
beautiful architecture.
The front lawn was installed with a cantilevered
concrete patio leaving space to subtly light under the
concrete and enhance the floating lawn look at night.
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Sky
/ Water Reflection
This job was designed
and installed for Carey & Julie
-Thank you
for the pleasure of
working with you both and the opportunity to create your vision.
This was a tremendous transformation in a unique space.
My clients had a particular vision and allowed me creative license with the landscape design, style and materials. We
were all very satisfied with the finished project. This project included various types of hard landscaping in a small space and also included a substantial water feature.
The water feature was essentially a mini pool. The sounds of water from the fountain, reflections off the surface of the pool and the subtle ripple effect made a garden space
that was beyond the visual.
Although the afternoons are hot, the patio Polygal material reflected and protected without cutting out the daylight.
Is there anything special about the planting in this garden?
I planted a no-mow native grass lawn to help keep the maintenance to a minimum.
Existing citrus trees were shaped and pruned. The plant pallet complimented the Asian influence of the design.
The plants were chosen for foliage color, texture and ease of care.
The smooth trowelled, dark gray curved seat wall functioned as drainage also. The concrete for the patio
and pool coping are all acid stained. The posts for the patio are integral with the seat wall and the material
used to cover the patio reflected the heat without obscuring the light.
The yard had a deep clay layer which created a severe problem, with regards to drainage. Every part
of the design was planned to collect and carry rainwater out of the back yard. The patio roof sloped to take water to a drain
behind the seat wall, this then discharged the water to curbside.
The reflection pool collected the surface water from the patio area, the pool was connected to an overflow drain.
The clients gave me freedom to try new materials in order to convey a modern landscape style.
This was also a design that took problems in the landscape and transformed them into functional and visual assets.
Although the back yard was completed a couple of years ago, phase II - the front yard is now under construction with completion expected shortly.
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We specialize in designing landscapes for all micro climates, the design of sustainable landscapes and edible landscaping, landscape design & build services.We design water features, deer proof planting and native planted landscapes.We are a Santa Cruz County Landscape Design & Build company that has won many awards. Natalain is an active member of the landscape community - please our see business history link below
