A Blog about Landscape Design in San Diego
Header image

Birdhouses 1.0

Posted by admin in Landscape Design - (0 Comments)

It’s sort of a weird hobby, but I’m really into birdhouses…. I’m not really even into birds. For example, I would never own a bird – but the idea of miniature little examples of Architecture, whether they be hanging from a tree or perched on a post or fence make me happy. I know, I know… but its the little things in life, right?

So here are some examples of birdhouses I love, all photos I’ve taken. I’ll periodically post more pictures.

Hines Res., Mt. Helix (current project, this one looks like a hollowed out Casaba melon, way cool!)

Hines Res., Mt. Helix (current project)

Garden Conservancy, NV

Garden Conservancy, NV

Garden Conservancy, NV

Garden Conservancy, NV (My favorite)

Living Walls

Posted by admin in Landscape Design - (0 Comments)

There has been a lot of talk and examples out there of living walls. Which is the best system? What are the maintenance requirements? How do I irrigate them? What plants work best and where? Since there are too many variables to mention here, I’ll say what has worked for us – so far – and what we can and will install.

The system that many people see and ‘lust’ after would be the ELT or Living Wall system that is typically planted with succulents or low-growing sedums/groundcovers.

Succulent Living wall by others - Flora Grubb, SF

The end result is really beautiful but the labor and costs associated make this installation akin to “Fine Art” in the cost department. Most of the people who call us asking about this product get immediately scared off when we talk numbers and maintenance. Its a fine system when installed properly and maintained properly. Unfortunately this is cost-prohibitive to most people. I would say this is the most aesthetically pleasing of all the options.

4 panels with Ipe wood frame, Loc. Kensington, CA

Another option would be the Wooly Pocket system. While noticeably different in style and installation method, a similar look can be achieved, albeit a more “rustic/shabby” look. When you check out the website you’ll see thats exactly what the creator’s are after. The pockets come in different colors and sizes – single, triple, and 5-wide. These options make the system extremely modular and versatile. We have had lots of success with the Wooly Pockets and find them markedly easier to purchase, install and maintain. Here are few pics of installs we have done…

Wooly pocket (3 woolys, one on top of the other) install in our Office

Single Woolys on a custom Cedar screen, Loc. O'side, CA.

6 Months after install, 9'x6' Wooly Wall, Loc. San Diego, CA

Whatever your location, exposure, or desire, a living wall can be accommodated. We will post more pictures of living wall, Air plants and succulent panels that we have done

, , ,

2011 Cardiff Surf Classic and Rerip Green Show

Posted by admin in NEWS - (0 Comments)

It went by too fast!

This year’s Green Show was a lot of fun! Much thanks to Brenda Dizon and Betty Steele from Steele Realty for putting on a great show… again. This year we were sandwiched between a Chiropractor and Sambazon Acai (awesome stuff guys!) right up against the slope. The weather was perfect – especially Saturday – and the show attendees were gracious, respectful, and laid back as one would expect at a street fair in Cardiff. The Groms were everywhere this year, all ages, having a blast either out in the water, biking, skating, or perfecting their style in the land-surfing tarp (see picture below).

Once again we represented for the landscape design and construction industry at this year’s show and had a great response. Our display featured a reclaimed wood feature wall and rustic table with lumber procured from Vintage Timberworks up in Rainbow. The sign was hand-painted by Ryan and all the potted arrangements were for sale (many still are… email if you’re interested). We went back and forth on having a LCD monitor show a montage of our project photos, but ended up passing on that and just chatting people up. Thoughts on this for next year??

We had several planters by Santa Monica based company Green Form made from Fiber-cement, air and water. They were a hit and if you really like them, check out their website and see their full-line of planters and furniture. Be sure to let Felix know where you heard about them.

Thank you to everyone who came and visited us and stopped by the booth to say hello. We are happy and proud to support our local businesses and appreciate you all. Any feedback, suggestions, ideas? comment below or send us an email.

Pics from the show….

, , , , ,

What’s new?

Posted by admin in NEWS - (0 Comments)

That is a very good question…

It’s been 6-7 months since I last updated this so-called “blog” with musings re: landscape, design, and the like. Frankly I’ve been busy, OK?

So what is the latest?

Earlier this year, towards the end of February we were gearing up for the 2011 Spring Home and Garden Show. For those of you who have attended the show in the past, you know its San Diego’s premier display of landscape design and construction. It’s held each year during the first week of March at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. We have found that it is as good a place as any to advertise what we can do. We take it very seriously and plan several months ahead… sometimes planning for the next show begins right after the last show ends. To digress, we were about a week away from the first day of Construction and my Sub-Contractor asked to meet. At the meeting, instead of discussing the details of the display, they left me in the lurch and decided that the show – and my business – was not worth their time.  It was really tough to take  at the time.  How was I going to get the show done and the jobs we had going? Unfortunately they have continued to cause issues, but to all of this I have tried to shrug my shoulders and say “Oh well, what can you do.” We have continued to stay busy and keep our heads down, not sinking ourselves to their level.  It’s all a shame, because together we worked on some really nice projects.  When you work that close for that many years you become like family, so beyond all the business stuff, I’m most upset about losing what felt like part of the family. I wish them luck, sincerely.

OK, with that out of my system we can move on to BIGGER and better things.

What else… well we’ve had a bit of press, which has been nice. Riviera magazine had a nice article featuring myself and a few other local landscape professionals. It came out a couple months back (see the press section on the main website). It’s funny because as soon as the article came out I got a call from Luxe magazine and I’ll be profiled in their Fall San Diego issue. I guess these things come in waves… well keep em coming! Additionally our episode of “Bang for Your Buck” aired back in July and we received a really nice response. It was so much fun shooting the show with the whole crew (especially Jamie Durie and Lauren Sparks) and learning more about the TV -making process.  Bret and I are flattered by the attention and inspired to keep doing what we love

Projects have been steady, but along with the steady stream of work has been a steady stream of frustration. Let me explain.

In the past 6-10 months we have submitted more bids, went on more consultations, and spent more time on the phone than any other time that I can remember. People are having the hardest time making a decision and while, yes, it is part of the business to give of your time to help them navigate the bidding process, it has been mostly an exhausting exercise. Recently we even had a client call one week before work was to start to cancel. The insult to injury was that I was on vacation (the client knew this) and they had already given us a deposit. They asked for the deposit back and even admitted that it would probably cost the same but require more of their time and supervision. This… is… frustrating.

Don’t worry, this will not be a format for my rantings… I just wanted to share some personal stories and see if others are experiencing the same thing. At least I would like for those who know they are going to end up hiring whoever gives them the lowest number to please let us know at the first meeting… thats fair right?

Am I by myself here? Are any of you other designer’s/Architects/Interior folks dealing with this? Let me say that on whole I LOVE my clients. We have a blast and there is a mutual respect and measure of trust that is established early on in the relationship. Just lately, there’s something in the water… I guess.

What else??

We recently had the opportunity to move into an office space in Solana Beach on the 101. Now let me preface this by saying that it would be fantastic to have a presence on the 101, and the Solana Beach Corridor is my #1 top pick. Much to my dismay and disappointment, now just wasn’t the right time. Stay tuned though, because soon we will find the right space/lease and possibly the design shop; Falling Waters: Landscape Design + Gifts will be realized. (thats a working title) :)

In May I finished an irrigation class at Mira Costa in Oceanside, and this semester I’m taking an Architecture class. Education has and will always be very important to me. I have my education goals and I’m working slowly but surely towards them. Overall the past 6 months have included a lot of growth for the company and we’re excited about the projects we’re working on and the prospects of whats to come. The maintenance division is continuing to grow and we are especially excited about a new project that will be starting in 2 weeks… we get to team up with our favorite local Landscape Architect, Todd Pitman again and work on a fabulous Mid-Century on Mt. Helix. More pictures and info to come.

I think that is all for now. We’ll have more photos to upload to the blog and website soon. Check out the Facebook page for more up-to-date information.

, , , , ,

MISC: Rhee house on HGTV, Brick House, Spring Garden Show

Posted by admin in FW projects in progress | Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

We filmed another episode of “Bang for Your Buck” at the Rhee house this last week. Again Jamie Durie was the landscape expert and Lauren Sparks was the Realtor. They walk through the space and decide if we did a good job and if Eugene will get his money back should he decide to sell the house in the future.

They were pretty easy on us overall. I was expecting more criticism, actually, but most of the constructive criticism was all stuff that Eugene and I knew they were going to bring up.

Right now our episode is the 13th in the lineup, so it won’t air for another 4-5 months. When I know more I will post here and on Facebook and hopefully you will check it out.

On a side point we are still developing our design for the Brick House in Hemet. Morgan has been really patient with us, and for that I thank you! The Spring Home and Garden Show is in a couple weeks and we are frantically working on our design and lining up all the vendors and the labor… we will have a large space this year. Last year we were too busy to do the show, and now I remember why we didn’t do it… it just takes so much time. And of course, we want to put our BEST out there.

More later…

, , ,

Landmark Houses

Posted by admin in NEWS - (1 Comments)

I was going over the Home section in the LA Times the other week and came across “Natural Beauty” a profile of Ray Kappe’s Rustic Canyon home in Los Angeles.

This home is a treasure, featuring seven different levels, platforms and decks, mitered glass (no wood or steel corners where glass meets glass, seamless look), and amazing views of the natural landscape of the hillside. This was yet another home where I’ve heard the phrase “the site was initially thought to be un-buildable.” Whenever the sentence starts out that way, you know your in for something special. Kappe did build on the site, and in the Northridge quake of 94′ only two windows broke… not to shabby.

The house sits on 6 huge concrete columns that are sunk 30′ into the hill’s bedrock. The entry of the house takes you across a wooden bridge. The main living areas have slight changes in elevation to create distinct rooms. The whole thrust of the design integrates the built space with the environment. From the green carpet to the numerous walls of glass; the lines are blurred between the inside and the outside – on purpose.Ron Radziner of Marmol-Radziner Architects calls the space, “the quintessential tree house.”

The lot was purchased in 1967 for $50,000 and today the house is worth 2.6 million (according to www.zillow.com)

Photo by Ricardo DeAratanha

Photo by Ricardo DeAratanha

Photo by Ricardo DeAratanha

Photo by Ricardo DeAratanha

, , ,

In Review: Cardiff Surf Classic and Green Building Fair

Posted by admin in NEWS | Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

This last weekend we participated in the Cardiff Surf Classic and Green Building Fair at Seaside beach. With several local vendors, including an awesome breakfast from the Encinitas Fire Dept., the event went really well.

We put together a small display showcasing several plants that will do amazing in our climate. We also highlighted the Falling Waters Bench (available in custom sizes and colors), furniture from our favorite local shop Grounded 101 (www.shopgrounded.com). The weather was sporadic and at times beautiful… the surf was GREAT for Seaside standards, and the people were gracious and laid-back… what else would you expect from a bunch of Cardiffians? I wanted to give a shout to some of the local businesses that we are buddies with, please check them out and why not buy some of their stuff? its great stuff, we promise!

Revolution Bike Shop (www.revolutionbikeshop.com)

Revolution Bike Shop – located near Le Papagayo (great Sangria by the way) on the 101 is the kid on the block as far as biking in North County is concerned. All of the knowledge, parts and service of the other shops but without the attitude! They feel that biking is for everyone, no matter what your level of experience… ahhh how refreshing! So go on in and get sized for that beach-cruiser you’ve wanted, or that road bike, get your bike serviced or just check out Joel’s awesome tattoos! Whatever your biking needs, Revolution Bike Shop is your source.

Sanuk beach sandals and flip-flops (www.sanuk.com)

Sanuk is the essense of local. With a local shop, headed up by a bunch of local guys and gals, this is what sandals should be. Sanuk has been around for over a decade now… where have you been?! They sell all over the world, but you can pick up your pair at Hansons on the 101 or Surfride, or even K-5 in Encinitas.

Gauyaki Yerba Mate (www.guayaki.com)

Looking for that buzz without all the sugar and crash from those “so-called” energy drinks? Look no further than Guayaki Yerba Mate. Try the Lemon or the berry… they swear by the Mint. Its all natural stuff and will make you feel great… just don’t drink one after 4:00pm like I did if you’re sensitive to caffeine.  They gave out free samples at the Show, but you can get yours at Seaside Market in Cardiff, or try one with a healthy burrito at Mozy’s Cafe on the 101.

VEG – Vertical Earth Gardens (www.verticalearthgardens.com)

This is very cool. The vertical earth garden uses cheap materials to create you one awesome vertical vegetable garden. The prices are affordable and the results are awesome. I’m seriously thinking about getting one of these myself, and will definitely call them out on future projects. Check out the website for more info on this inventive idea that is making growing your own food fun and fast!

There was so much more at the show, and we felt very privileged to be part of the action. A big thank you goes out to Betty, Brenda, and Alexis of Steele Realty (www.realtysteele.com) for putting on a great show and including us. Thank you.

, , ,

Is your home ready for a wildfire? The Vess house is…

Posted by admin in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

This month’s issue of Sunset features the Vess home in an article focused on preparing your home for wildfire season (which is right around the corner). Nan Sterman, our local garden writing expert and Author of several valuable plant resource books chose to highlight certain aspects of the Vess landscape, while stunning photographs by Jennifer Cheung make a visual impact:

1. Replace flammable plants: Any plant material that is high in oil content, very woody, or provides fuel too close to the house should be replaced

2. Lush plantings: Herbaceous plant material with soft, fleshy leaves typically hold more water, and are thus more resistant to fire. Some nice choices include several Agave and Aloe species, along with Cacti and almost all succulents.

3. Water your plants: Even though the Vess landscape was designed to reduce water needs, it still must be irrigated properly and sufficiently. Dry, thirsty plants are just waiting to go up in flames when those sparks start flying.

4. Use DG: DG or Decomposed Granite is a great mulching alternative (where appropriate) to wood bark and traditional mulch. It comes in a variety of colors, doesn’t break down like organic mulches, and keeps roots moist and weeds down.

5. Simplicity rules: Space between plantings allows the eye to rest… it also creates defensible areas to slow down the spread of fires. I love when design can serve multiple purposes!

Vess image

CLCA Beautification Awards and misc. news

Posted by admin in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

We were very excited to hear we took first place in the 2010 CLCA San Diego Chapter Beautification Awards for medium Residential Design and Build catergory for the Rhee residence in Kensington.

Rhee

The landscape was also photographed recently for a Behr Paint Ad, and an article in the September issue of San Diego Home and Garden Lifestyles magazine. Also look out for the Vess home being featured in Sunset Magazine again very soon for an article about how to ‘Fire-scape’ your yard.

What else is new at Falling Waters? Ryan participated as a judge at this year’s Flower and Garden show at the San Diego County Fair. We are now offering maitenance services to our current and past clients in an effort to keep our gardens and designs as originally intended. We have added to the staff at Falling Waters with another Designer / Project Manager, and we hope that with his arrival we will be able to take even better care of our clients.

With Summer being in full effect here, we are busier than ever and enjoying the challenge. Thank you everyone for your continued support and well-wishes.

Falling Waters Landscape

LA Times: Venice’s Green Cube

Posted by admin in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

You gotta love this home in Venice Beach, CA.

story by Debra Prinzing

EXCERPT: “The exterior walls of the new wing of the Bricault family’s Venice home are clad in sedums and other succulents, which soften the contemporary architecture so it looks like a plush, verdant floating cube. Paul Bricault likes the way the horticultural house gets people talking.

“Everyone who comes here looks at it with this quixotic expression. We get all sorts of questions, including, ‘Do we have roots coming through the inside walls?”

 5341442953414435

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Story