Landscaping: The Plan

Two years ago I reported on an initial site visit from a landscaping company (see Landscaping Site Visit). A year ago I reported on the site survey of our property that was done in preparation for our landscaping project. The post included screenshots of several key areas, including the entry, the front yard, and the back yard (see Landscaping: Site Survey). A year later, I'm now reporting on the landscaping plan. The schedule has been prolonged because of the pandemic and a backlog of landscaping jobs ahead of us in the queue.

Entry (planting plan): curved path from the street to the front porch

The landscaping plan has been a year in the making, with many meetings, conversations, and changes in scope during the process. The plan is beautiful, and is comprised of several views, including a concept plan, elevation views and drainage plan (we're on a gentle slope), the planting plan, irrigation plan, electrical plan, and materials schedule.

Front yard (planting plan): patio, sloped aspect, and oak tree

The planting schedule is filled with California native and wildlife friendly plants for our microclimate (they are described and recommended by Calflora and Calscape). These screenshots are taken from the planting plan and show plant placement. Many of the names are familiar to me, others are new and need to be researched. The plant collection should attract the birds, pollinators, and critters that we hope to see. The plan integrates legacy trees, plants, rocks (with moss and lichen), and garden features, with more California native plants, infrastructure improvements, and new garden features.

Back yard (planting plan): the dense vegetation that forms a barrier, and raised bed

Now, we just need to implement the plan (we're hoping it won't be another year to put it into action). We have already spent two years working through all the stages and processes to get to where we are today. Now that we can see the beauty to come, a long wait would be unbearable!