Walk Through Wednesday - Santa Monica Mediterranean

It's time for Walk Through Wednesday again! This week, Environmental Concept is featuring our Santa Monica Mediterranean landscape.

Rich and luxurious landscaping greets guests at this Santa Monica property.

A mixture of a water feature, hedges and native plants create the perfect seating at the front entrance.

Rich and luxurious landscaping greets guests at this Santa Monica property.

An illuminated fountain at dusk.

Taking the mix and match approach, this driveway combines Cecile Brunner Roses, trellises and bluestone in an ashlar pattern.

This cozy outdoor fireplace provides the ideal setting for family time.

A waterfall pours into a custom built swimming pool.

Exquisite lighting and tall hedges form privacy and ambiance.

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Environmental Concept’s philosophy is based upon a goal to restore, beautify & preserve California’s natural spaces for future generations. With a diverse team of professionals, Environmental Concept works to increase awareness about water conservation & sustainable eco-systems using mainly microdrip & weather-based irrigation controllers. For more information, please visit www.envconcept.com.

Walkthrough Wednesday - Bel Air Old World Estate

Sprawling grass surrounding a Bel Air home.

A blend of Achillea, Antheia and Phygelius edge a grassy lawn.

Lavender blooms along a stone walkway.

Concrete seats nestle against a concrete wall.

Sour Grapes and Peppermint Geraniums mesh harmoniously.

Fruit trees and Apple Scented Geranium plants separate a grassy lawn from a walking path.

Wisteria twines above visitors.

A child’s art area is complimented by bright Wisteria.

Wisteria creates a canopy above a colorful art center.

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Environmental Concept’s philosophy is based upon a goal to restore, beautify & preserve California’s natural spaces for future generations. With a diverse team of professionals, Environmental Concept works to increase awareness about water conservation & sustainable eco-systems using mainly microdrip & weather-based irrigation controllers. For more information, please visit www.envconcept.com.

Creating an Outdoor Living Area

The best way to create an effective outdoor living space is to analyze the wants and needs of the client and their family and match those necessities to specific solutions. Do they have children? Are there pets? What is the purpose of their landscape? Environmental Concept believes that every client is individual. Every situation and family that we have encountered has been different, but for the most part, the common factor is a wanting a comfortable livable space and outdoor extension of their home.

If the main purpose of the outdoor area is for entertaining, create a focal point by incorporating a fire pit or built-in kitchen for company to gather around. Aim for inviting.

The landscaped area should welcome guests to stay a while. Plan for the amount of guests your client typically accommodates.

If possible, use versatile seating arrangements.

Don’t limit your outdoor living space to only hardscaped terrain. Hardscape typically designates common areas and walkways, but consider permeable paving. Sprouting greens between the pavers not only feels great under your feet, it also allows water to drain to the soil below.

Work with the natural beauty of the environment by letting the terrain and region make decisions. Native planting incorporates indigenous vegetation that thrives in local areas. In turn, native plants require less water and maintenance than typical landscapes.

Always apply inspiration from the home’s architecture and design to the outdoor and stay true to the original style.

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Environmental Concept’s philosophy is based upon a goal to restore, beautify & preserve California’s natural spaces for future generations. With a diverse team of professionals, Environmental Concept works to increase awareness about water conservation & sustainable eco-systems using mainly microdrip & weather-based irrigation controllers. For more information, please visit www.envconcept.com.

Santa Monica Green Modern - Walk Through Wednesday

Environmental Concept decided that we should share some of our favorite and more memorable projects in a feature called Walk Through Wednesday.

So for the First Walk Through Wednesday, Environmental Concept would like to present "Santa Monica Green Modern."

Drought tolerant plants line the side yard of this luxurious Santa Monica home.

Shark Tooth Agave and Asparagus Fern mingle on a hillside in front of this very hip residence.

This front entryway merges custom fencing, lush vegetation and geometric hardscapes.

This fire pit creates an inviting focal point.

Custom seating in an extended outdoor living area. The space on the patio should be just as livable as the interior of the home.

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Environmental Concept provides earth-friendly landscape services to fine residences and commercial properties in Los Angeles, California. Tania Gybels brought her unique perspective to the world of Los Angeles horticulture in 1991. Her work has been featured on HGTV and Oprah. For more information, please visit www.envconcept.com.