Montecito Canyon Rustic

At the top of a Montecito Canyon road this fabulous location landscape was full of lawns and hedges a landscape dating back to the 70s. Needless to say, it needed some serious updating! The rustic location, along Montecito creek was full of enormous boulders which is what we used as our inspiration.

The landscape design approach for this very unique Montecito property was to feature rather than hide the natural setting, allowing Nature’s subjects to be the star of the show. 

We started by bringing in a tractor and restoring the land to its natural contours. When we did this, we discovered beautiful, massive boulders that had been buried by tons of dirt! Yep, we hauled off the dirt and exposed the lay of the land and then carved paths into the ground so that one could meander through the woods and down to the creek at the back. 

The plant selection was mainly California natives such as Arbutus marina, Carpenteria californica, white sage, upright Ceanothus, Ribes, manzanita, Rhamnus, Penstemons, Heucera. Using these plants in the perimeter and in around the California Native Oaks, thus creating a natural Oak woodland. 

Up closer to the house a gravel patio allows expansive views of the Pacific and includes a gas fire pit for warming on chilly nights. The lower patio is perfect for an outdoor kitchen and eating area. The around which the plant selection became a bit more decorative, but still drought tolerant; Rockrose, Santa Barbara Daisy, Mexican Marigold, Native heuchera mixed sages, bay laurel, and other fun stuff filled this garden with beauty and fragrance. 

The rest of the garden was left to “go native”. 

Down by the creek, the client constructed a “guest room” in the woods, around which we constructed paths and a few native plants. The boulders were all that was needed to create a natural environment, perfect for the rustic cabin. The result, something that looked as if it had been there for 100 years. 

This is a garden that was meant to appear as if it was always there and wasn’t “landscaped” by humans, but by Mother Nature. 

Enjoy! And fill your garden with joy!