Landscape design in San Diego is a big deal even this time of year. I know we don’t often get much rain here in San Diego but this has been a year to remember. Our rainy season starts Oct 1 and we are already more than 4″ above where we typically would be this time of year and have also already exceeded our average rainfall total for the whole season. Not to mention we just had the rainiest day ever recorded where there wasn’t a place in the county that got less than 1′ in 24 hours.

With all that being said its important not to neglect your landscape during such events. After such heavy rains our soils are saturated and when coupled with strong winds trees can come falling down, consider removing any dead or dying trees that you feel pose a safety concern. Also, look to see if you have any erosion issues and attempt to redirect the runoff in a more positive direction. As always adding rain barrels to downspouts is a great way to benefit from these rain long after they have passed. If you have clay soils which most of us do, look for signs of root rot if plants cannot dry out quickly enough.

Many of these issue can and should be addressed while planning a new landscape but some, unfortunately, need to be addressed long after that stage. Either way, if you are in need of such services please consider contacting a landscape designer or skilled landscape contractor before these issues lead to more costly repairs.

Just like the weather this last week, design trends are always changing. I wanted to spend a few minutes this rainy day going over a few landscape design trends that I have been enjoying lately.

Metals, especially brass and copper. These metals are a fantastic alternative to the common chrome finishes that have been used so heavy recently. The rich warm tones of the brass and copper look even better when paired with deep rich blues and blacks that are also gaining in popularity. Modern but timeless, is a nearly unbeatable combo, regardless if its used indoors or out.

Patterns, stripes even plaids. I know that these subtle was to insert color have been around forever but the more modern applications that they have been used lately are something to take note of. With the endless choices of outdoor rugs, throws, planters, umbrellas, outdoor fabrics, the list goes on and on, its no longer acceptably to think just about outdoor furniture but you need to think creating cohesive outdoor rooms.

Single species container planting. Again this style has had its ebb and flow but right now its seems to be on point.  Typically paired with more contemporary architecture and plants with a strong structural form, such as succulents or palms, however if you have a more traditional house don’t be afraid to single out one plant to be used in a container with a equally beautifully simple form.