How to design Landscapes and Swimming Pools - from Modern to Natural
Blackhawk, Ca.
Best Landscape Designer in the SF bay area located in Walnut Creek, Ca.
About Walnut Creek, California and Choosing a Landscape Design
One of Alderland’s client’s first draft concept plans:
Modern Pools and Landscapes
1. Visual Aesthetics:
Style: Clean, sharp lines and a sophisticated look.
Color Palette: Typically features neutral colors, such as whites, blacks, and grays, with occasional bold accent colors.
2. Shapes:
Structure: Predominantly geometric shapes like rectangles and squares.
Edges: Often designed with straight edges and even depths.
3. Materials:
Decking: Use of materials like porcelain tiles and pavers, composite decking, or concrete.
Finishes: Smooth finishes with glass mosaic tiles or painted surfaces.
4. Landscaping:
Plants: Limited variety typically featuring ornamental grasses, structured hedges, or potted plants.
Design Elements: Incorporation of modern furniture, sculptures, or fire pits that maintain a contemporary look.
5. Technology:
Features: Advanced technology like heating systems, automated covers, and smart pool controls.
Lighting: Integrated LED lighting designs that enhance the nighttime ambiance.
Natural Pools and Landscapes
1. Visual Aesthetics
Style: Rustic and organic, aiming to blend with the natural environment.
Color Palette: Earthy colors, including greens, browns, and blues.
2. Shapes:
Structure: Irregular shapes that mimic natural water bodies.
Edges: Soft, undulating edges made from natural stone or gravel.
3. Materials:
Decking: Use of natural stones, gravel, or untreated wooden decks.
Finishes: Natural stone finishes to create an organic feel.
4. Landscaping:
Plants: Diverse range of native plants, wildflowers, and aquatic vegetation that enhance biodiversity.
Design Elements: Natural features like logs, rocks, or stepping stones incorporated within the landscape.
5. Sustainability:
Features: Often includes bio-filters, ponds, and water lilies to maintain water quality naturally.
Lighting: Natural lighting enhancement through strategic positioning without reliance on electric lighting.
Summary
Purpose: Modern pools cater to luxury and stylish living, while natural pools emphasize sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Usage: Modern designs may attract a more urban clientele, while natural designs appeal to those seeking a serene, organic experience.
Maintenance: Modern pools generally require more technological upkeep, while natural pools may need regular planting and ecosystem management.
In essence, the choice between modern and natural pools and landscapes often comes down to personal taste, lifestyle, and the desired relationship with nature.
One of Alderland’s screenshot of a 3D project
Top 3 Questions People are asking in the bay area about the Landscape Design Process.
1.What is the landscape design process in and around Walnut Creek?
Standard 2 to 3 meeting landscape design process
The landscape design process involves creating a plan for the outdoor area surrounding a home or building. This plan takes into account factors such as the client's needs and preferences, the site's characteristics, and the surrounding environment. The process typically begins with an initial consultation between the client and the landscape designer to discuss the client's goals, budget, and timeline. From there, the designer will conduct a site analysis, which includes measuring and assessing the site's topography, soil, drainage, and existing vegetation.
Once the site analysis is complete, the designer will create a conceptual design, which outlines the proposed layout and features of the landscape. This design may include elements such as paths, patios, water features, plants, and lighting. The designer will work with the client to refine the design and make any necessary adjustments based on feedback.
Once the final design is approved, the designer will create a detailed plan, which includes specifications for all of the design elements, such as plant types and quantities, materials, and construction details. This plan is used by contractors during the installation phase to ensure that the design is executed correctly.
Finally, after installation is complete, the designer may provide ongoing maintenance services to help the client maintain the health and beauty of the landscape over time.
Why Alderland’s 1 meeting design process is different and so much more efficient
Alderland’s landscape and swimming pool designer, Don Vivatson’s first conversation with the client has a very detailed discussion to analyze the client's goals, budget, and timeline. Over the phone using and viewing their property on google earth, looking at the property and it’s unique layout, Don listens to his clients ideas and frustrations, immediately starts formulating ideas over the phone, when apon arriving at the clients home, the discussed ideas continue.
Working through the ideas Don walks the property with the client, listening to them and the landscape features they want to see, and of course there is a budget conversation too.
As the meeting draws to a close, a clear vision emerges with unanimous agreement among all attendees. Don begins sketching the fresh ideas that come to mind. The essential aspect of this exercise is that sketching on-site allows Don to visualize the property in real-time, helping to prevent unnecessary design mistakes that might be made back in the office.
With Sketch in hand Don returns to Alderland’s office where he passes on the newly skectch out ideas to his auto-cad developer who starts laying out the project to scale, when complete Don and his assestant review the newly layed out property, after looking for any possible problems make any corrections as needed. Then Alderland sends off the first draft to the client. The client typically has the first drsft to review in about 10 day after the first meeting.
Depending on the client the whole design process will take approx. 6 weeks, if the client responds with any changes with in a day or so. Once completed our designs are permit ready, bidable and buildable. Our clients recieve 3 large 1/8’ scale sets of the landscape design along with detailed pages to support page 1 of the set, and a construction ready estimate to do the project. Don and his team can start pulling permits immediately after the decisions has been made to get started.
We also don’t mind making adjustments after the set is complete.
2. A landscape plan and why is it important in Walnut Creek?
A landscape plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the design, implementation, and maintenance of outdoor spaces. It typically includes detailed drawings, specifications, and instructions for a concept plan with additional plan sheets such as planting, hardscaping, lighting, irrigation, and other aspects of the landscape. A landscape plan may be prepared by a professional designer or architect, or even by the property owner.
There are several reasons why a landscape plan is important. First and foremost, it provides a clear vision for the outdoor spaces, in recent years the term “outdoor rooms” have become a widely recognized phrase, backyards have become more feature rich than in the past.
The four primary rooms are,
1. Swimming pools
2. Shade coverings “pergolas or pavilions”
3. Outdoor kitchens
4. Fire features, firepits or fireplaces
The landscape plan ensures that all elements work together harmoniously. A well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and functionality of a property, increase its value, and create a more enjoyable and comfortable living environment for friends and family.
A landscape plan can also help to identify potential issues and prevent costly mistakes. For example, it may address drainage problems, soil conditions, and other site-specific factors that could affect the success of plants and other landscaping features. By considering these factors in advance, a landscape plan can help to avoid the need for expensive and time-consuming revisions later on.
In addition, a landscape plan can be a valuable tool for budgeting and scheduling. It can help property owners to prioritize their landscaping goals and allocate resources accordingly. It can also help to coordinate the efforts of contractors and other professionals involved in the implementation and maintenance of the landscape.
Finally, a landscape plan can help to ensure environmental sustainability and promote biodiversity. By selecting appropriate plants and materials, and designing for water conservation and other sustainable practices, a landscape plan can minimize negative impacts on the environment and supports local water systems.
In summary, a landscape plan is an important document that provides a roadmap for the design, implementation, and maintenance of outdoor spaces. It can enhance the beauty and functionality of a property, prevent costly mistakes, facilitate budgeting and scheduling, and promote environmental sustainability.
3. How do I maintain my landscape once the design is complete in Walnut Creek?
Watering
is essential for the health of your plants, so make sure you water them regularly. The amount of water your plants need will depend on the plant species, the time of year, and the weather. A general rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, rather than lightly every day.
Pruning
Regular pruning is important to keep your plants healthy and looking their best. Pruning helps control the size and shape of plants and encourages new growth. Prune dead or damaged branches, and remove any overgrowth that is crowding other plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing provides essential nutrients to your plants, helping them grow strong and healthy. Use a balanced fertilizer, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage your plants.
Pest Control
Keep an eye out for pests, and take action if you notice any. There are many different types of pests that can damage your plants, so it's important to identify the pest and use the appropriate control method. You can use natural methods or chemical treatments, but be careful not to harm beneficial insects.
Mulching
Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and provide a neat appearance to your landscape. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants, being careful not to pile it up against the trunk or stem.
Seasonal Maintenance
Make sure you perform seasonal maintenance tasks, such as cleaning up fallen leaves and debris, pruning back dormant plants in the winter, and preparing your plants for the upcoming season.
Are You Looking for a Swimming Pool & Landscape Design Company You Can Trust?
Transform your outdoor living space into a stunning oasis with Alderland, the top Landscape Designer in the Bay Area. For over 40 years, our team led by Don Vivatson has been specializing in custom pool design, pool remodeling design, hardscape and softscape design, plant design, and landscape & swimming pool construction for homeowners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our fully customized designs incorporate a full range of desirable design elements, from swimming pools and fire pits to pergolas, bocce courts, outdoor kitchens, water elements, and much more. With our extensive working knowledge of construction, we lay the foundation for every landscape design, ensuring that every detail is executed flawlessly.
At Alderland, we know what it takes to create a breathtaking outdoor living space, and we've been doing it for over 40 years. Whether you have a specific vision or need our expertise to help bring your ideas to life, we have your back from vision to construction. Our team will work closely with you to create a fully custom design that suits your unique style, preferences, and budget.
Don't settle for a bland backyard when Alderland can transform it into an enchanting outdoor paradise. We are building the next beautiful backyard for a current client, and you can be next! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us show you why we are the leading landscape design experts in the Bay Area. Contact us now to get started.
