Tranquil water-side landscape transformation back and front Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA

TRANQUIL WATER-SIDE SANCTUARY LANDSCAPE REMODEL - BEL MARIN KEYS, NOVATO, CA

The APLD International Landscape Design Awards Program honors excellence in landscape design. Projects are judged on the basis of difficulty, craftsmanship, attention to detail and execution.

Judge's Comments - 2020 Gold Award Winner:
"Beautiful plant textures, good use of foliage, delightful waterside sitting area, excellent positioning
of focal points!"... "Once UGLY is now calm and beautiful"..."Before and after WOW!"

Project Overview:
Entertaining and enjoying the peaceful setting and dramatic natural views were primary goals for the homeowners of this stunning water-side property in Bel Marin Keys, Novato.. Situated on a lagoon that overlooks a bird sanctuary and wetland restoration project, the homeowner's requested the design for this extensive landscape renovation include the replacement of the water-thirsty lawn, both back and front, and a drought-tolerant, low-care garden that fits this natural eco-system, and their lifestyle. We replaced the old deck with a sustainable Camaru wood, an alternative to Ipe, along with built-in benches and large architectural purchased planters. The modern concrete steps and pavers lead down to the water's edge and dock. I included a sunken patio on one side to take in the views near the water's edge and on the other side, a Buddha statue that offers a peaceful focal point to further compliment the serene setting. The garden offers biodiversity with a variety of plantings that include CA natives, succulents and grasses from other Mediterranean regions. The walkable ground cover - Dymondia, Silver Carpet creates a natural pathway and leads to a side bench and raised planters for edibles. Elfin thyme planted between the concrete steps adds to the natural landscape design objective and adds visual and tactical softness.

In the front landscape the water thirsty-lawn was replaced with a combination of low-water plants and large, dramatic concrete pavers that lead to the home's front entrance. The updated driveway features more of the same large concrete slabs and small pebbles set in a permeable resin in between. A variety of plants for sun and part shade include Japanese Maples and Mondo grass, Dianella, Lomandra Breeze, Bulbine, Foxtail ferns Hellebores and Echeveria 'lipstick' succulents.

This dramatic project transformation is also featured story on Houzz.com.

Design Details Back:

Lawn replaced with plantings that provide biodiversity and and ecosystem for the birds, the bees and the butterflies.
Camaru wood deck, (also known as Braziliam teak) a hard, sustainable alternartive to the over harvested ipe wood. Built-in benches edge the deck and serve as barriers
Large contemporary planters with a finish that resembles corten steel
Dramatic concrete pathways and steps accented with polished Mexican pebbles in between
Sunken circular patio lower in the landscape near water's edge
Low-voltage pathway and accent lighting
Buddha statue as a serene focal point
Repurposed the old redwood decking and created raises planter beds for edibles.

Design Detail Front:

Dramatic concrete pathway with Elfin thyme planted in between
Large concrete slabs for driveway with permeable pebbles in resin in between providing a beautiful contrast
Lawn removed and filled with lower-water plants.

The plant palette Includes: CA native plants - Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus) and Carex divulsa. Other Mediterranean plants include Lavenders, Yarrow, Bulbine, Euphorbia, Cone Flower, Hebe, Lion's Tail, Parrot's Beak, a variety of grasses and Dymondia margaretae - Silver Carpet, a ground cover that takes foot traffic.

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS
The Designer Magazine - Fall 2020
View magazine Pages 40-43

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