the constant gardener
Projects
Here is a sample of my work. I tend toward a natural design aesthetics with California native and drought tolerant plants. I generally work on small gardens or renovations, i.e. having some things cut back, some taken out, and adding new plants, mulch, etc... I also do DIY consultation and design work/assistance.
41st Street, Temescal
The 41st Street installation includes a two-sectioned yard with an existing retaining wall. It was a blank canvas to which I added a wild mix of mostly native, and pollinator attracting perennials and annuals. Because the garden has north facing sun exposure, I went with part shade tolerant plants. I also sheet mulched with cardboard, compost, and fir bark (for weed suppression and soil amendment) and installed a hose bib timer and drip irrigation.
Charbourne Way, Crestmont
This installation began with two neglected beds, overrun with Oxalis weeds. I sheet mulched and planted native and drought tolerant perennials, succulents, and grasses. The goal was to plant densely with bursts of color and varying height for dimension, while not obstructing the amazing view. The client came along for the nursery trip and helped with some of the planting. I continue to care for this garden with monthly maintenance.
This succulent garden design emphasizes colored foliage (yellows, purples and blues) and varying textures over flowering plants. With this job the client contracted out for hardscape work and then I came in with the planting design, mulching and irrigation.
32nd Street, West Oakland
63rd Street, North Oakland
This installation was put in after the house had some major construction done, so the soil was pretty compacted. We Sheet mulched with compost and forest floor bark. For the plants I went with mostly natives: Manzanita, Salvia apiana, Mimulus and California Buckwheat as well as succulents. We also added drip irrigation.