ph: 310 399 7390
alt: 310 795 9577
kathysla
Landscape- before and after
This shows the transition of a raw landscape into a prize winning one.
1. It was necessary to correct the grade of the soil, as water pooled against the house.
2. We needed to supplement and match the existing flagstone already on the site for the sidewalk, porch and entryway. We chose a soft beige grout to compliment the stone. We wanted the edges of the walkway to be jagged and not smooth.
The porch needed drainage correction also as rainwater pooled against the structure.This was corrected when the flagstone was laid.
3. We had to cover areas of soil that has pepper tree roots with commercial grade landscape fabric to prevent recurring growth. A tiny bit of root left in the ground will regrow rapidly.
4. Irrigation pipes across landscape were installed. Rocks were placed for accent and the job was planted using mycorrhizal bacteria as the only soil amendment.
5. Netafim was installed on surface around plants. The system is tested.
6. Stone mulch is installed on surface to discourage weed growth and to retain moisture in the soil.
THE RAW LANDSCAPE 2008
BEFORE
WE RECYCLED MATERIALS ALREADY ON SITE
PROGRESS
In addition to the sidewalk, the porch and entryway was also laid with the matching stone
Groundcover fabric prevents recurring growth from pepper tree rootsystem. Netafim drip irrigation tubing is installed on a manual controller. Some California natives get no irrigation.
NEWLY PLANTED AND LATER
Newly planted.
Growing in.
the landscape today 2010
This is the landscape today.
Another view.
other installations
This is a hand watered installation next to a mini-mall. It is mulched with lava rock.
This is a drought tolerant planting that has matured.
SANTA MONICA
A car drove through the wall.
Newly repaired
BEFORE & AFTER
Old tile entrance and sidewalk
New flagstone entryway
The old tile was removed and a new flagstone entry was created. The old sidewalks alongside the house were cut into pavers and moved into the center of the yard to create a new walkway.
BEFORE & AFTER
The old tree was removed and the yard leveled.
Stone mulch and drought tolerant plants complete the planting. A trellis and vine were added to cover a storage shed.
The landscape is irrigated by subsurface Netafim tubing. Stone mulch retains moisture in the soil so very little water is applied to this landscape.
MARINA DEL REY BEFORE & AFTER
We removed overgrown phormium
that looked ratty and created a tripping hazard.
Then added furcrae, aeonium & stone mulch
This is on the beachfront so plants were chosen for durability and beauty. This planting is drought tolerant and maintenance free.
MARINA DEL REY BEACHFRONT COFFEE SHOP
A livestock watering trough was used as a planter, as were garbage cans behind it.
Small galvanized containers as planters.
The owner wanted a visual barrier for his outdoor patio area and galvanized containers. This is a drought tolerant planting that is hand watered. Crushed black lava is used as mulch.
A JAPANESE THEMED LANDSCAPE
the bare canvas.
we have added a Japanese Maple, dwarf Ginkos, bamboo, dwarf mondo grass between the pavers, carex, iceberg rose & camellia. Also a flowering dogwood.
The entire landscape is watered by drip irrigation with a new controller. Bark mulch and landscape fabric supresses weeds and retains moisture in the soil. Acidic planting mix was utilized for those plants needing it.
There is a business across the street that we wanted to hide
Clumping Bamboo will obscure the business
We added a pathway to access a planting bed of dwarf, thornless raspberry underneath the Holly. Flags mark where they will be planted as they had to be ordered.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
Rocks on site were incorporated into the landscape
Westringia was transplanted from the backyard along the front fence
Landscape fabric was installed nder the mulch to prevent future Oxalis growth. Even though these plants require more water, drip irrigation and heavy mulch reduce water consumption.
GRANT PROJECT
Overgrown, water hungry landscape. Ficus roots were getting into plumbing.
Replanted with natives and drought tolerant plants
Sidewalk steps were eliminated and a sloping stone walkway was installed.
GROWING IN
Low maintenance and drought tolerant
The maturing landscape
A drip irrigation system was installed. A thick layer of bark mulch supresses weeds and retains moisture in the soil.
A happy landscape with blooming ceanothus-A California native
A state of the art, ET Water controller reduces water use by providing irrigation based on local weather station readings.
This is an eco-friendly sustainable landscape requiring little water and effort.
SOME NATIVES
Carpinteria "Elizabeth"
Mahonia "Golden Abundance"
Blooming California native plants add beauty. The Mahonia has beautiful yellow blooms.
RECYCLING OLD ROOFING TILES IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Tiles from a 1920's house
Tiles are set upright in a cement base to create raised planters.
The property owner asked if these tiles could be incorporated into the landscape in some way. She wanted raised bed planters, so we removed the grass, plastic edging was installed around the perimeter and landscape fabric was laid inside the planters, in the walkway and around the edges to prevent grass incursion. Bark chips dress it up and prevent weed growth. It is very strong and durable.
STRAWBERRY BED
Tiles create a terraced planting area.
Strawberries are watered by an mp rotator
This hillside corner was problematic because nothing would grow on the slope and it received inadequate irrigation.
SOME RANDOM SUCCULENT INSTALLATIONS
A very narrow space
A small succulent garden
Succulents work in any sunny spot, large or small.
ph: 310 399 7390
alt: 310 795 9577
kathysla