HILLSIDE GARDEN SANCTUARY - SAN ANSELMO, CA

​Project Overview:​ 
This vast landscape, situated on a sloped hillside in San Anselmo, Northern California, has been evolving for several years, and is the personal sanctuary of award-winning Landscape Designer Eileen Kelly, owner of Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. This sustainable, dry garden also serves as Eileen's "living laboratory" where she observes and learns from the habits, tolerances and growth of her extensive selection of plants. They include hundreds of varieties of low water, low maintenance pollinator plants. Some appropriately nestled amongst the majestic oak trees, others that thrive in the sunny spots, and plants that thrive in shadier locations. The plant palette ranges from California natives to plants from other Mediterranean regions such as South Africa and Australia and includes an extensive collection of succulents. Besides this extensive variety, Eileen's collection of low-water and fire-resistant plants has flourished extensively over the years. The garden also includes a few exotics from Hawaii and other regions. ​ Several patios and sitting areas have been incorporated throughout the landscape at different levels, positioned to enjoy the natural setting and the lovely views both near and far.

Design Details:

• ​Stairways, pathways and patio areas throughout the landscape offer places to pause or linger to take in the natural surroundings and views both up close and in the distance.
• Diverse plant varieties, including CA natives, succulents and plants from other Mediterranean regions offer an abundance of pollinator plants, biodiversity and ecosystem and habitat for the birds,  bees, butterflies and other wildlife. ​
• Retaining walls constructed with Sonoma fieldstone, patios, decking and a variety of seating areas with bluestone and other natural materials.
• ​Decomposed granite (DG) and flagstone incorporated in the pathways and patio areas.
• Drip irrigation with a Smart Controller to efficiently monitor water uses and water conservation. Several plans, especially the succulents that have been established have been removed from the irrigation system, and watered manually, occasionally during the summer months.​​​

< BACK TO PORTFOLIO