Uncategorized – Groundswell Landscaping

End of the drought?

April 20, 2017

Be Water Wise, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Landscape Tips, Uncategorized

I’ve had several folks ask me how business has been affected by the “end of the drought” brought about by this past rainy season. While the landscapes we’ve developed benefitted greatly from true rainfall and new gardens are looking better than ever our approach hasn’t changed a bit. I don’t think sensible, sensitively designed, regionally appropriate, drought tolerant landscaping will go out of style, washed off in one winter’s rain. The rain hasn’t changed our approach except perhaps to inspire us…

Focus on front yard drought tolerant landscaping

May 18, 2016

nathansmithdesign

Be Water Wise, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Front Yard Landscapes, Garden Philosphy, Garden Style/Design, Landscape Tips, Projects, Uncategorized

Re-doing your front yard with drought tolerant landscaping yields more value than you might imagine. A well executed front yard landscape can have positive effects on your home value, your neighborhood, the broader environment, your social interactions and your quality of life. A new front landscape can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home. Very often the outside of the house sells the inside. Make a good first impression of your home by making the approach to the front…

February Plant Pick: Ceanothus

February 6, 2016

nathansmithdesign

Plant Picks, Uncategorized

Ceanothus are easy care, pest free native garden subjects. There are more than 40 species of Ceanothus native to California from varied habitats and ranging in size from ground covers to small trees. One of our favorites is a hybrid called ‘Concha’ that grows quickly to 6-8 feet and has medium blue flowers. Many nurseries now carry native plants including. All Ceanothus appreciate full sun and well-drained soils. Most are drought tolerant once established but they do need regular watering to…

Fall Back

November 5, 2015

nathansmithdesign

Uncategorized

Daylight savings time has ended, clocks have been set back and the first rains have fallen. Now is a good time fall back on your watering schedule too! Days are shorter and cooler reducing evaporative pressure on your landscape. With any luck we’ll have some good rains and the irrigation can be shut off altogether. Irrigation scheduling is often an iterative process as water needs can be affected by landscape maturity, exposure, soil type, plant type, slope, and density of planting. There…

Irrigate efficiently for water savings in landscape

September 12, 2015

nathansmithdesign

Be Water Wise, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Landscape Tips, Uncategorized

Irrigate efficiently for water saving in the landscape. Keep in mind the following statements as we work to make efficient use of our limited water resources. 1. It’s better to water your landscape deeply and infrequently, as opposed to frequently and shallowly. 2. Runoff and waste are undesirable (obviously!). It would seem that these two principles are at odds with one another, but if you have a reasonably current irrigation controller the solution is straightforward. Generally speaking sprinklers put out water…

Terrain Is Hiring

May 22, 2015

nathansmithdesign

Uncategorized

We are looking for landscape laborers. Candidates who demonstrate competence will have opportunities to advance. Please see below for a job description. For further information please contact nathan@terrainlandscape. net. Landscape Laborer I- Installation and Maintenance SUMMARY: Under close supervision, performs a variety of unskilled tasks in the installation, and maintenance of landscaping projects; and performs related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Labor assistant for installing, maintaining and cultivating landscaping DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs general landscape tasks as directed by crew…

December Plant Pick- Toyon

January 21, 2015

nathansmithdesign

Uncategorized

Really Toyon should be featured earlier in the year, but with the weather being what it has been I’ve been noticing beautiful Toyon in full fruit in the last few weeks. Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia is widespread in California in general and San Diego in particular. It’s a forgiving and useful landscape shrub with evergreen leathery leaves. It makes a good screening shrub, and can be pruned up to function like a small shade tree. Perfect for patios. Toyon is relatively fast growing…

Downtown Encinitas Garden blooming

April 19, 2014

nathansmithdesign

Projects, Uncategorized

I received a call last week from the folks over at the Christian Science Reading Room in Encinitas asking me to drop by and check in with them about the landscape we installed last year. I was pleased to see how well things have grown in. The project was a collaborative effort. Hubbell and Hubbell were the architects for the building. William Joyce Design invited me to collaborate on the hardscape and planting design. DRP Construction was the general contractor for the…

News From Terrain Landscape

April 7, 2014

nathansmithdesign

Uncategorized

Welcome to Terrain Landscape’s news page. We encourage you to like us on Facebook and follow us on Houzz if you’d like to see photos and updates of our projects as they move forward. Check back to this page to benefit from our garden tips and videos. Hear about what plants are currently on our hot list and receive guidance about what things you should be on the lookout for in your own garden.