You don't always need plants to have an interesting landscape. This contemporary small residential back yard (which is currently under construction) features a swooping black and white contrasting gravel pattern with rusted steel edging, bold and bright colors, and raised deck to take advantage of the ocean views.
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This trellis and outdoor fireplace were recently completed to enhance the outdoor living spaces at this existing beachfront Santa Barbara home. The trellis provides much needed shade both inside and outside the south side of the home and was constructed higher than a typical trellis to preserve views to the ocean and to better complement the architecture of the existing house. LED down lights and outdoor heating were also integrated into the trellis so it could be used during evening hours. The fireplace was constructed of Santa Barbara Sandstone veneer and burns using natural gas. Installation by Johnathan Anselmo / Custom Built SB.  
A preliminary landscape plan for a historic Spanish colonial ranch home nestled in the orchards of 500+ acre ranch in the mountains of the front country of Santa Barbara.  Here is a video of an online class I taught to a class of rambunctious 7th graders in Texas about the applications of math in the design of a park.
Long overdue improvements at an outdated condominium clubhouse with new paver pathways, patios, landscape lighting, decorative sandstone boulders, and landscape improvements. A large amount of existing turf was removed, which qualified this project for the City of Santa Barbara's Smart Landscape Rebate program. The plant palette for this project is an eclectic mix of drought tolerant plants including California Native Plants, succulents, and subtropical cycads and palms. Some of the subtropical plants are also drought tolerant, proving that you don't have to use a lot of irrigation water to have a tropical look. Some of the more unique plants include: Aloe 'Carpinteria Gem' - Carpinteria Gem Aloe Aloe plicatilis - Fan Aloe Cercis occidentalis - Western Redbud Cistanthe grandiflora 'Jazz Time' - Rock Purslane Chamaerops humilis var. argentea - Atlas Mountain Palm Encephalartos altensteinii - Prickly Cycad The style of the landscape design for this 1960's Goleta tract home does not attempt to fight the "retro" style, but instead embrace it. Real turf was removed at the rear yard and replaced with artificial turf. The gravel paving and cobble swale complements the existing exposed aggregate concrete patios and walkways. Simple rectangle and square shapes placed at angles provide interest and make the lawn area visually appear larger than it really is. The corrugated raised steel veggie planters provide visual contrast in the garden as well as a functional element for growing edible plants. Installation of artificial turf, gravel and steel planters by EcoLawn, Santa Barbara. Small yet fun residential project that features contemporary fencing, new cast in place entry stepping stones, and Trex decking. Plants chosen in the design are primarily drought tolerant succulents such as Echeveria, Aloe and Agave. This is a project that was designed by Erin as an employee of Arcadia Studio Inc. http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=141435&HT=SB http://www.sbbeautiful.org/images/SBB%20Awards_%20Save%20the%20Date.pdf The primary goal of the design of this residential project was to create a new entry experience to the front door and to create more level area for active and passive play in the front yard. Hand crafted terraced boulder bank retaining walls were utilized to create a more level area without creating walls that were too high and imposing. |
