In the landscaping field, the impact of a quality design is often found in the details rather than the size or scope of the project. This is why a relatively small but lovingly crafted yard can inspire a myriad of feelings and sensations, while an expansive but uninspired outdoor space will fail to leave an impression.
Details can make or break a design, and this principle applies equally to the work involved in maintaining a high-quality landscape. We recently wrote about how the San Diego County CLCA recognized Torrey Pines Landscape Company for its maintenance efforts on two projects: Crosby and Mt. Soledad.
The Mt. Soledad project provides a perfect example of how altering small details in a landscape can completely change its impact on the viewer. By making small adjustments to an existing landscape, the team at Torrey Pines created a lush and luxurious atmosphere in the property’s outdoor spaces.
Front Walkway
The front of this La Jolla home was in need of fresh plantings. The planters were reshaped and concrete curbing was removed. Low water tropicals were planted in the existing planters. Hedges for privacy were added to the property lines with layered plantings in front for lush look. The existing walkway remains but the new landscape brings more curb appeal to the landscape facing the entryway.
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To simplify the design and better utilize the space, the smaller patch of lawn that bordered the house was transformed into a large planter featuring an array of fronded shrubbery and olive trees to provide depth and texture.
The new planting plan was determined by inventorying the existing mature trees and tagging the trees to be removed. With the client preferences in mind, the plantings were selected to complement the architecture, and grow best in the existing soil and lighting conditions. In each planter, the irrigation zones were established to best serve the new plants while each zone was curated with plants that all require the same watering schedule.
New lighting fixtures were installed in each bed to create an impression both daytime and nighttime. The lighting serves a dual purpose of illuminating walkways and showcasing the textures of the floral arrangements as their stems, fronds, and leaves dance in the evening breeze.
Side Driveway
Before Torrey Pines reworked the landscape, the driveway that extended down the side of the property left much to be desired. A small planter interspersed with a few fronded shrubs was all that interrupted the long stretch of adobe-colored wall separating the property from its neighbor.
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This section of the property would require the most significant attention. The Torrey Pines team raised the bed by a few feet to allow for more planting depth and replaced the sparse flora with a lush, flowering carpet of jasmine.
The primary focal point, however, was the series of espaliered fruit trees supported by wooden trellises. Espaliered trees are pruned so that all branches are pruned and trained to be on one plane to create a two-dimensional effect. The art of espalier is labor intensive, as trees need to be consistently monitored and pruned to maintain the style’s two-dimensional character. Adding to the difficulty, the branches need to be wrapped along the lines of the trellis as they grow and then pruned again to ensure they don’t expand outwards.
Backyard
The property’s backyard is dominated by a central infinity pool with a connected spa, overhung with many palm trees. The owner desired a more tropical look and feel to the space, and the sparsely populated flower beds lining the property would not cut it. The Torrey Pines crew planted the property’s planter beds with lush tropical greenery to fill the gaps.
A greenhouse was installed to help cultivate some of the more temperature-sensitive plants during the colder winter months and protect edible plants from pests. While decorative gravel walkways lead to the greenhouse, house and pool deck.
A cascading water feature was added to the pool area to help create the feel of a tropical grotto. Large boulders and a curtain of tropical fronds and stunted palms were added to the shoulders of the pool to help cement the illusion.
Creating a tropical retreat in subtropical California is a complex and maintenance-heavy task. Each landscape element needs to be consistently monitored to ensure it’s getting the water and nutrients it needs to thrive in its non-native environment.
“The size of the property along with its horrible soil conditionals is what makes it remarkable from a maintenance perspective. Water management along with focused care for the various gardens within the property has required specialized care.” – Mark Southern
High-maintenance landscapes are one of Torrey Pines Landscape Company’s specialties, and the company’s attention to detail can help turn a lackluster landscape into something that leaves a lasting impression. Call today!