Secluded Montecito Oaks

This beautiful property off East Valley Road in Montecito needed a transformation. The landscape had suffered from years of neglect and overgrowth. The look was harsh and incoherent across the back and front part of the property. The landscape had good bones hidden over time and under overgrown plants. It needed a redesign for the whole layout to give it a fresh look with the welcome addition of drought-friendly plants and trees.

Dated brick pathways required a complete overhaul to modernize the space. It came across more motel than resort. Luckily, the clients hated the brick too. The paths and low walls were removed to create a nearly seamless transition between the paving and the surrounding areas. Individual sitting areas were added beyond each room. Pennsylvania blue flagstone replaced the tired, old brick bringing a softer color palette that complements nicely with the Eagle Blue crushed stone used in the pathways and driveway. An existing pond was also refashioned with a stone border to create a more natural look.

The front, west side part of the property was more of an oak woodland. It was cosied up with shade-loving trees like Pittosporum tobira. Existing mature Mayten and Oak trees were pruned back to show off their form and provided screening and privacy from the property across the street. For a cigar-loving homeowner, a gravel pathway now leads to a smoking pavilion nestled under oak trees. Cool tones were kept in mind for plantings throughout the front space including Jasmine, heliotrope, and loropetalum.

The back lawn was reduced by at least 50% and a Eucalyptus tree was removed. The introduction of drought-friendly plants and trees like Arbutus Marina and lavender made maintenance more manageable. Climbing roses were added along the back fence. The look of the back garden is softened with meandering gravel pathways lined with benches to sit on amongst Mexican sage and Mexican marigold that add color and life. From the patio, the pathways now lead to an existing rose garden and orchard where they previously felt separate from the property. In sharp contrast to the original space, bright, exuberant plantings were introduced in the back garden including rockrose, polygala, and Lion’s tail (Leonotis leonurus).

The final look is modern, elegant, and encourages one to explore different aspects of the garden. Existing elements were enhanced and color introduced throughout the garden. The space is connected not just by pathways but a definite cohesion in design–bright life no longer hidden.