Well its official, spring has sprung and summer is fast approaching. So with that said its time to get out in the garden and enjoy it.

If your into growing your own food then now is the time to plant your summer vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, corn, artichoke and peppers among many other tastes treats. If you feel that using a little more water is acceptable if you eat the results then give bananas, cherimoyas or avocados a try. If the colors and aromas of roses are more your thing then now is the perfect time to liven up your garden with such standouts as Spanish Sunset or Cinco de Mayo roses. If you are more of the mindset that we must conserve ever last drop of water (and we should be) then plant heat loving succulents, or a nice drought tolerant shade tree to help maximize the water you use on your landscape. Solid performer such a Palo Verde or the exotic Floss Silk will cast a nice bit of dappled  shade on to lower heat loving beauties such as Agave, Senecio or Echeveria.

Whatever appeals to you now is the time to get started so you can have an amazing garden for generations to come with these landscape design ideas.

If you need help designing your garden, please feel free to contact you today we would be happy to help.

Cleator Landscape Design is proud to once again be recognized for it’s quality of service in the San Diego area.

We have been selected as one of the “Top 3 Landscape Companies in San Diego” by ThreeBestRated.com. The selection process was based on the following areas customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. https://threebestrated.com/landscaping-companies-in-san-diego-ca

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We just wanted to share a few pictures with you of one of are latest projects. It’s a great casual seating and dinning area for an amazing beach home in Point Loma.

Take a look, and we hope you enjoy it. If you would be interested in Cleator Landscape Design helping to transform your outdoor space please contact us at 619.917.3644

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Cleator Landscape Design has been awarded “Top 25 Landscape Professionals in San Diego for 2016” by Expertise

Out of the close to 700 Landscape Professionals reviewed we were in the top 25 based on Reputation, Credibility, Experience, Availability, Professionalism, and Engagement.

Please check out the link. http://www.expertise.com/ca/san-diego/landscaping

I must say that we are so honored to have received this award as it confirms that the quality of service we strive for doesn’t go unnoticed. To all that voted, thank you.

For any of you who missed our article in San Diego Magazine here you go.

Also we wanted to thank all of our clients and supporters for a another great year and to a prosperous 2016. Screen Shot 2015-12-27 at 2.43.35 PM

Cleator Landscape Design is proud to announce that we are featured in the December issue of San Diego Magazine’s “Ask the Experts” section. Please take a look as it’s an honor to be included in such a fine local magazine.

http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/December-2015/Ask-The-Pros-Design-Secrets/The-Landscaper-Jeff-Cleator/

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When it comes to high quality decking people often ask me the differences between Ipe, Teak and Mangaris. I thought I would help shine some light on the topic with this post.

Ipe or Brazilian Walnut are the common names for over 20 different species of Tabebuia spp.  It is an amazingly dense hardwood with a beautiful dark walnut color. It’s very difficult to work with due to its dense nature but it can withstand the elements better then most anything else. It approximately eight time harder then California Redwood, meaning that it earns high marks against termites, mold, rot and even fire. But all the beauty and durability comes at a cost.

Teak or Tectona grandis is another superb choice. It often has a nice yellow brown color but can be found in a rich brown as well. It will age to a nice soft uniform gray if let untreated, but does require upkeep to prevent this color change. It is about three times softer the Ipe so working it is a bit easier but it still stands up to the elements very well.

Mangaris comes in a few varieties such as Red Mangaris or Dipterocarpaceae spp. to Diamond Mangaris which come from Intsia spp. Red Managris offer clients a beautiful red color similar to Mahogany with a very dense grain structure approaching Ipe.  Diamond Mangaris with a denseness rating similar to Teak  but the coloration of Ipe is another option.

I hope this post helps you make a choice when it come to which lumber is the right choice for your upcoming outdoor space.

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If you would like to have Cleator Landscape Design design a custom lumber element for your property please contact us at 619.917.3644

Water features are a great way to tie a landscape together, but how best to do that during a drought like the one we are experiencing here in San Diego. Water features (fire elements as well) are great at bringing people into a outdoor space and helping to get them to stay and linger a while, they don’t need to be elaborate but they do need to be water conscience. Gone are the days of wild abandon when it comes to water features (think Niagara Falls in your backyard) now we want to use water sparingly. A simple recirculating basin, pump and timer connected to water tight urn or natural stone basin can do the trick. Placing such an element in the sight line from indoors or the entrance into the outdoor space along with nearby seating can help entice further exploration. Be sure to match the size and style of water feature to your home and landscape. Not only will you benefit from the addition of a water feature to your outdoor space but so will local birds.

If you are interested in having Cleator Landscape Design create a personalized outdoor space for your home, please contact us at 619.917.3644

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Landscape design is an extension of our homes, and that couldn’t be more true then in San Diego.

The style of your home should set the style for the landscape, for either to reach its potential they must work in harmony. If you live in a Spanish revival home your landscape should work to compliment the rustic beauty it possess. Modern architecture with its clean lines should have a landscape that reflects its “controlled restraint”. While a loose open beach bungalow looks most at home in a carefree landscape of grasses and the sweet smell of summer.

Now with that said there are no hard and fast rules, but look around at successful landscapes in magazines and online and you will often see a strong correlation between the style of the home and its landscape.

If you would like to have Cleator Landscape Design help create a landscape that is inline with the architecture of your home, please contact us at 619.917.3644

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