Today, Eye of the Day interviews Lisa Cox of Lisa Cox Landscape Design on a recent project in Los Olivos, California. Lisa is a designer we love to work with and it’s always a joy when she stops by the showroom sourcing decor for her designs. As the season slowly transitions into Fall here in California, this Before and After project is a sign of good change to come.
Eye of the Day: Tell us a little about yourself and this project.
Lisa Cox: My company, Lisa Cox Landscape Design, tackles residential projects exclusively in the Santa Ynez Valley. After moving here 3 years ago, I could see there was most definitely a need for Landscape Designers in our area. Since I was the new gal in town, I started slowly with residences in my area and a few Tasting Rooms in Los Olivos, and then that was a great boost for my business.
This particular project in Los Olivos was a European Farmhouse that needed a face lift. Considering the property was already a stunner, it was a delight to tackle the project.
EOTD: What was your client’s goal for this particular garden?
LC: The client wanted to completely rework the front garden to create a more traditional plant palette of roses and boxwood in tandem with drought tolerant plants that do well in the Santa Ynez Valley such as rosemary, lavender and olive trees. We think the outcome was very pleasant, and works well with her charming residence.
EOTD: What was your initial vision for this garden?
LC: My initial vision was to recreate something you would see in Provence, France. Since the homeowner considers France their second home, it was even more of an inspiration to help with that “look.”
After removing most of the original planters, we created areas of interest such as a rose garden, shade garden, and sun drenched beauty garden!
EOTD: Were there any unique problems that came up during the design or installation?
LC: I think the biggest challenge was correctly reworking the existing irrigation system for the newly planted areas, and using good sized plants to create an “Instant yard.” The design phase was easy since the homeowner is a very gifted interior designer with a good eye. A great collaboration.
EOTD: What would you describe as your garden design aesthetic and how do you work with your client’s own vision for the landscape?
LC: Each project I tackle starts with the needs and wants of the client. Sometimes, their input is great, and other times, I am allowed complete freedom to create what I think will work for not only the style of their home, but function, flow and of course, aesthetics. As I start to design, it all seems to come together with time.
Before I start a design, I send out a list of questions for the client to answer that entails how they will use the space being created, substrate choices, and plant choices that appeal to them. This usually guarantees I can design freely knowing I am in line with their vision for their home.
EOTD: For the pottery, why these particular pieces?
LC: The vintage Greek oil jar was a perfect fit to blend both a traditional and Mediterranean look with a touch of rustic created by the aging finishes Eye of the Day offers.
EOTD: What was your favorite part of this project and design?
LC: Most definitely working with the homeowner and creating a vision that not only gave her a little piece of France, but also how the end result screams Santa Ynez Valley and all our glory here in wine country.
To view more of Lisa’s work, visit Lisa Cox Landscape Design or her Facebook page.
Photo Credits: Rich Cox Photography
the holidays filled with pinecones and later coddle a houseplant.