A new house with a less-than-inspiring slope…
At the rear property line of this new subdivision, it was clear that the developer and engineer were only concerned with expedience. Rather than accept the back slope as it was, the final design turned it into an undulating canvas for drama and contrast.
The concept sketch is the first step in figuring out how the space will be laid out and arranging general plant massings
Local sandstone boulders were set into the slope to create the "bones" of a dry waterfall, then planted with a range of succulents and a specimen pygmy date palm as a vertical accent
Plants with bold textures and bright colors were used to make this important corner of the garden a visual magnet from a distance. The base of the slope was re-contoured for a more natural look.
There's nothing like big rocks to create a feeling of age and permanence
BEFORE: It was clear that the developer's main goal was to take the quickest, least expensive route to grading the lot.