Elements of Style: The Classic Mediterranean Garden A classic Mediterranean style garden is typically low-maintenance, drought tolerant and perfect for a climate dry and hot in Summer and warm and moist in Winter. For those of us living in California, this seems a perfect fit. Traveling throughout the Mediterranean region, focused on the landscape and…
Garden Design
How To Keep Your Fountains Water Wise During Drought
As we all face this unprecedented drought, we need to make smart choices about using water. At this point I’m praying for rain, but I’m realistic enough to know my lobbying may not be that influential. But I have instituted several measures, the first of which regards my fountain. This water element is an essential…
Right Plant, Right Place: The What and Where of Drought Tolerant Planting
My client was happy; she’d just completed installation of major landscape improvements designed by an award-winning designer. I was not so happy. Some of the plants the designer had chosen were simply not suited for the area where they’d been planted and it was my job to make them look good. Landscape architects, designers, and…
Lisa Cox Design | Los Olivos Tasting Room Gets Design Update
In the relatively short time Lisa Cox Landscape Design has been working in the Santa Barbara area and Santa Ynez Valley, she has become the go-to for anyone wanting clean and sharp designs with a focused point of view. This is clearly evident in her design for the brand new Zinke Wine Co. tasting room….
10 Design Principles of Frederick Law Olmsted
Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, is in many ways responsible for the way America looks. Beginning in 1857 with Central Park in New York City, he created designs for thousands of landscapes, including many of the world’s most important parks. Prospect Park and Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn are designed by…
Groundskeeping: On The Road to an Ancient Landscape – The Bristlecone Pine Forest
Rushing from place to place trying to fulfill our obligations to one and all, we miss so many beautiful moments and opportunities. I recently made a large delivery to El Dorado Hills to a client who found Eye of the Day through our website. The house reminded me of L’Amorosa in Tuscany, a mini fortress…










