This Fountaingrove landscape design began as a moonscape. Covered with rock, half-buried boulders the size of Volkswagens, and littered with wild scrubby weeds, this was easily one of the most challenging projects ever undertaken by Details Landscape Art.
Located in the hills above Santa Rosa, the property had a dramatic drop in elevation from east to west. There were remnants of an abandoned cinder block structure, countless buried rocks, and virtually no usable garden space. We knew from the outset that demolition alone would be a major undertaking.
The homeowners desired a Mediterranean garden to complement the architecture of their beautiful home. The red tile roof and pastel stucco walls set the tone for soft colors, Arizona flagstone, citrus trees, and colorful foliage.
As with all our projects, we interviewed the homeowners extensively about their lifestyle and goals for the garden. They frequently entertained large groups of friends from their country club and understood that transforming this difficult site would require a significant investment.
They requested a hot tub, a gas fire pit, and a relatively low-maintenance garden since they were not avid gardeners.
Fountaingrove Landscape Design Begins with Demolition
Heavy equipment, including backhoes and tractors, was required not only for demolition but also for excavating and relocating the massive boulders scattered throughout the property.
Fountaingrove landscape design begins with heavy equipment demolition
Fortunately, much of the excavated rock found a second life within the landscape. We used it to create a dry creek bed, fire pit backdrop, and numerous natural boulder placements throughout the garden.
Sometimes the materials already on a site become some of its most beautiful features.
Building the Hardscape on Difficult Terrain
Constructing the hardscape proved equally challenging because of the severe change in elevation.
Steps descending from the back entry to the main patio were relatively straightforward. The retaining walls, seat walls, and additional steps leading to the lower garden required considerably more effort.
Even driving support stakes for concrete forms became difficult because rock lay beneath much of the site. In many locations we had to drill holes directly into the rock before installing metal stakes.
Fountaingrove landscape design presented many challenges
A beautiful Arizona flagstone patio was constructed, incorporating a corner seat wall and gas fire pit. Flagstone steps provide access to the lower level, while a hot tub pad was integrated into the overall design.
Fountaingrove landscape design includes Arizona flagstone corner seat wall and steps
Flagstone walkways lead to patio
Fountaingrove landscape design features flagstone fire pit
The existing fence along one property line had badly deteriorated, so we designed and built a tiered redwood fence to complement the garden.
Mediterranean Planting in Fountaingrove Landscape Design
The lower garden level included a small lawn area and a fenced dog run.
Planting proved every bit as challenging as demolition. Even after removing tons of rock, we frequently encountered more buried stone while digging plant holes. Nearly every planting hole required a jackhammer.
As a result, we often installed smaller plant sizes than originally planned. One-gallon plants replaced five-gallon containers, and five-gallon plants replaced larger specimens.
The planting palette reflected the Mediterranean character of the garden and included lavender, white roses, red phormium, gold breath of heaven, and burgundy barberry.
Fountaingrove landscape design
The combination of soft colors, texture, and drought-tolerant plants created a garden that complements both the home and its hillside setting.
A Dramatic Transformation
Every landscape presents unique challenges, but few have been as demanding—or as rewarding—as this project.
What began as a rocky, unusable hillside was transformed into an inviting outdoor living environment for entertaining family and friends.
At Details Landscape Art, we enjoy creating beautiful gardens from difficult sites—and this Fountaingrove garden is one of our favorites.