Nestled below rolling hills dotted with California live oaks, a Mediterranean-style house sits within a twenty-acre ranch where dogs, cows and horses roam. The existing back garden with its pervasive concrete paving detracted from this natural beautiful scenery. As the nature-loving clients wanted outdoor spaces that they could use, the proposed landscape design seeks a fine balance between creating habitable spaces and allowing nature to re-assert herself within the domestic domain. Earth will be graded to give the impression that the hills beyond are rolling toward the house. Here oaks, alders and elms will offer shade while meadow grass will negate the need for a water-intensive traditional lawn. Layered edge plantings of native ceanothus, salvias and redbud will offer privacy without the need of a formal hedge. Ornamental grasses delineate the pool area and create a softer, more inviting patio area, where leisurely gatherings can take place.
Location: Ojai, CA