Design Archives - Cleator Landscape Design

Landscape design San Diego

Jeff Cleator — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:27:35 +0000

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.

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New Year New Landscape

Jeff Cleator — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:43:10 +0000

Happy new year to you all. I know that many of you have been playing around with the idea on improving your existing landscape and now is the time if you want it ready for spring and summer. It doesn’t have to be a landscape that contains all the bells and whistles as a affordable landscape design and subsequent project can still greatly improve your quality of life and increase your homes usable space. Maybe its just removing a dying water hog of a lawn and replacing it with a drought tolerant low maintenance gravel patio space with a large farmhouse table for dining al fresco, bistro lights and some hardy succulents. Or maybe its removing some tired old shrubs and replacing them with your own raised beds for growing organic food for you and your family. It doesn’t have to be a major cost and undertaking to create a fresh new feel for your landscape, its just take a simple phone call to a creative design professional who can bring some new insight to this project. Please don’t hesitate and call us today for your affordable landscape design 619 917 3644.

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Modern landscape design themes

Jeff Cleator — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:52:39 +0000

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.

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Warm weather landscape design ideas

Jeff Cleator — Tue, 02 May 2017 03:52:22 +0000

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.

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Cleator Design feature on “A designers mind”

Jeff Cleator — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 19:41:37 +0000

The highly popular Instagram account “A Designers Mind” which has over 1.2 million followers has featured the work of Cleator Landscape Design.

They were kind enough to showcase the landscape design project we did on the bluffs above PB Point. We are so pleased to have been recognized and featured on such a widely popular site.

Here is there picture featured and a few others. I cant wait for all the groundcovers to fill and cobblestones to be added as it will only enhance the beauty further.

If you would be interested in having Cleator Landscape Design create a beautiful outdoor space for your home, please feel free to contact us at anytime. 619.917.3644

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Cleator Landscape Design featured in San Diego Magazine

Jeff Cleator — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 18:42:07 +0000

Cleator Landscape Design is proud to announce that we again have been featured in San Diego Magazine. The article titled “Treasure Trove” shares the story of a beautiful Hacienda style home and its residents. We were fortunate enough to have designed the landscape with the help of landscape contractor Matt Lindholm of Lindholm Landscapes. We will share some photos of the completed project in the coming months as the beautiful yard continues to mature.

If you would like Cleator Landscape Design to design a creative outdoor space for your home, please contact us at 619.917.644

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Ipe, Teak and Mangaris

Jeff Cleator — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 01:13:09 +0000

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.

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

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Outdoor seating

Jeff Cleator — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:24:14 +0000

Here in San Diego our landscapes are (or should be) an extension of our homes. With increasing temperatures and prolonged drought getting outside and finding some shade to relax is as important as ever, for we need to take stock in just how amazing nature is so we can make the strides to protect it. One great way to increase your use of your outdoor space is through outdoor seating, this vital component to outdoor living can come in many forms. A simple Adirondack chair under a Chinese Elm tree can make a simple yet strong statement, as can built in seats around a water or fire feature. No mater your style or budget everyone should incorporate some place to sit outside and enjoy nature. Here is a collection of outdoor seating that will get you excited for your own.

If you are interested in Cleator Landscape Design creating a beautiful outdoor space for your property please contact us at 619.917.3644

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Water features in drought stricken San Diego landscape designs

Jeff Cleator — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 02:53:08 +0000

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 San Diego

Jeff Cleator — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 20:20:57 +0000

Here in San Diego we are all aware of just how expensive home are and with such a premium we need to utilize every square inch to its maximum. So no mater the size of your yard you can transform that space from a under utilized cracked concrete slab for example into an extension of your home with some creative idea. Some quick points to remember are to envision how you want to use the space and how that would pair with your homes style. Then think about what areas you might need to open up or screen off. When it comes to plant and material selection take extra care for they need to be well thought out for each one will have a greater impact then it would in a larger landscape. Don’t forget to look to design accents that will help bring it all together with the home and help draw you into your new outdoor space. These pointers along with a handful of other(we cant give it all away) will help you in creating a small outdoor space that will live larger then it really is.

If you are interested in have Cleator Landscape Design create a outdoor living space for your property please contact us at 619.917.3644

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