Country property landscaping offers unique challenges as well as opportunities for a different landscaping flavor.
Details Landscape Art was called to landscape a large side area of a home on the rural outskirts of West Petaluma. The property backed up to open space on one side, while sparse native vegetation partially screened a neighboring property on another.
The existing space had never been landscaped. A gentle slope covered with closely mown wild grass stretched beneath several mature trees that provided welcome shade and an attractive backdrop.
The homeowners wanted an outdoor living space that would complement the rural character of the property while preserving the open views of the surrounding countryside.
Country Property Landscaping Begins with Outdoor Living
The owner requested a stamped concrete patio to create an outdoor seating area.
Because the site sloped gently, the upper portion of the area had to be excavated approximately twelve inches to create a level surface. Above the patio, we constructed a small stamped concrete retaining wall to prevent soil and bark from washing down onto the entertaining area.
Country property landscaping – stamped concrete patio
Existing pressure-treated steps already connected the patio to the remainder of the property and were incorporated into the overall design.
The result was an inviting outdoor gathering space that blended naturally into the surrounding landscape.
Deer Resistant Planting for Country Property Landscaping
The landscaped areas called for approximately four hundred deer-resistant plants.
Because the homeowners wished to preserve views of the natural field beyond the property, we designed a tapestry of seven different groundcovers that would remain relatively low while providing seasonal interest and texture.
These included:
- Ceanothus ‘Centennial’
- Rosemary ‘Huntington Carpet’
- Manzanita ‘Emerald Carpet’
- Sarcococca hookerana humilis
- Mondo grass
- Lomandra ‘Breeze’
- Cistus ‘Sunset’
Interspersed among the groundcovers, we added taller shrubs and specimen plants to provide vertical interest, structure, and seasonal color.
Country Property Landscaping Requires Gopher Control
Country properties almost always involve gopher management.
To protect the tender roots of the new plantings, we installed wire gopher baskets around every plant. The homeowners did not want to see the small dirt mounds that often accompany gopher activity, so the spreading groundcovers were selected in part to help conceal any future disturbances.
Sometimes successful landscape design involves solving problems before they occur.
Irrigation and Soil Conditions Matter
Another challenge on this project was the poor quality soil.
The sandy loam drained extremely quickly and was deficient in nutrients. After heavy rains, water disappeared into the ground within only a few hours.
As a result, the critical factor in irrigation programming was not the duration of watering, but the frequency. More frequent irrigation cycles were required to keep newly installed plants healthy while they became established.
We also advised the homeowners to fertilize regularly to improve plant vigor and long-term performance.
Lighting and Fencing Complete the Landscape
Midway through the project, the homeowners requested a low-voltage lighting system.
We installed a 300-watt transformer along with a combination of LED path lights and floodlights to illuminate the mature trees and outdoor spaces.
Later in the project, they requested a new fence to replace aging posts and an old barbed-wire fence along the property line.
Country property landscaping features redwood woven-wire fence
We constructed a four-foot-tall woven-wire fence framed with redwood. To improve rigidity, the posts were spaced approximately six feet apart. Because the fence followed the natural grade of the land, each section was carefully stepped down the slope.
A Landscape That Fits the Property
Country property landscaping presents opportunities that differ from those found in traditional suburban gardens.
Open space, wildlife, poor soils, deer pressure, and gophers all influence the design process. By carefully selecting plants, preserving views, and respecting the rural setting, we created a landscape that feels perfectly at home in West Petaluma.
At Details Landscape Art, every project is designed to complement both the property and the lifestyle of the homeowner.