Landscape Design 5
Planting Design
In this course, plants and plant groups are studied as basic design elements in the landscape. Instruction emphasizes the arrangement of plant materials for defining, sequencing, and articulating space. Ecological and cultural contexts are examined as determinants for sharply focused design concepts.
Instructor
PAMELA BRIEF
Project Location
SANTA MONICA/CA
judges
ALISON TERRY – TERRY DESIGN INC.
CATHERINE MCLAUGLIN – FARMSCAPE
HALALEH BEHNAHANI – HB LANDSCAPE DESIGN
SCRIBES
KATJA PEPE
TATE PERRINE
Project 2: Residential Design
SCASLA Excellence Award
Lovely B/W illustrative. Professional presentation with the legend adjacent to the planting plan. Plant combinations read well; consider staggering Carex to evoke a meadow rather than straight lines. The dense planting approach is compelling and contemporary. Overall communication is strong—clear grasp of color and texture; the model is beautiful and the perspective renderings are strong. Plant palette info is comprehensive. Smart move to end with a graphic that reinforces the big idea.
1834 16th Street
Charlie Leazer
Residential Project
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LA DOLCE VITA
Holly Cory
This 16th street residential plan is called LA DOLCE VITA. LA is for Los Angeles and Dolce Vita because it is all about the art of good living and making ordinary moments extraordinary
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SCASLA Honorable Mention
Strong inspiration photos and a thoughtful call-out on maintenance—clients care about that. Graphics are clear, and the B/W space diagram helps, in which the stones read better. Spatial organization works (play area + pond access), and the multiple plant photos aren’t cramped—great for client reference. First design with a pond—nice plant choices. The Zen garden idea is interesting–consider carrying the concept through with durable materials. Plant palette is attractive; Phyla nodiflora can be a lifesaver in tough spots but watch for weedy spread. Overall, clear, comprehensive, and family-friendly—tighten graphics and plant/hardscape hierarchy to elevate the set.
Stillwater Garden for Becki’s family
Katja Peppe
A drought-tolerant, California-fied take on a traditional Japanese Zen garden.
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LEARN, PLAY, GROW!
Kristin Byrd
A whimsical and sustainable planting design for a residence in Santa Monica.
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Growing ROOTS
Nikki Rinehart
A family wants a human and wildlife friendly garden in coastal Los Angeles.
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A COASTAL SANCTUARY FOR MODERN FAMILY LIVING
Patrese Winter
From the front yard to the backyard to the quiet side yard, every space flows together as one harmonious experience—connecting nature, home, and family. Created for laughter, learning, and lasting memories.
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SCASLA Achievement Award
A highly imaginative concept that moves from the cellular scale to landscape expression. Keep context info only if it directly supports planting design. Strong, thoughtful site analysis overall. Plant photo sheets are organized and attractive. The site plan reads legibly between hardscape and planting; consider coloring groundcovers to show they’re planted. Pergola intent is appealing. Plantings are well spaced with room for kids to run; the wood “cookie” hardscape is a charming touch. The hydrozone legend is smart. The section graphic is to-scale and evocative.
Residential Design
Tate Tilles-Perrine
Develop landscape design for residential home in Santa Monica.
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SCASLA Achievement Award
Site analysis is very easy to understand, and the planting height diagram is effective. The site plan looks good, with the legend on the same page, and the formed side yard (rather than a straight path) is a strong move. Including square footage on the plan is useful and city-ready. Plant photos and the bloom schedule are great.
The Bird’s Nest
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Victoria Stover
This residential landscape design offers refuge for a young family and bird families to grow.
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SCASLA Honorable Mention
Cool Jurassic Park concept with a thorough site analysis—the dimensions are helpful. The planting layout reads easily with a nice composition. Page layout is extremely clean, detailed, and uniform. Night lighting images are great and make the intent feel more complete.
RESIDENTIAL GARDEN
PLANTING DESIGN
Zoe Marans
I was inspired by one of the family’s favorite adventure movies, Jurassic Park, when designing the plant palette and layout for this residential project. To create a feeling of exotic escapism, I’ve used interesting plant textures and shapes juxtaposed against organic materials like stone, gravel, felled log steps, and earthen clay bricks. The front yard features a rocky swale to collect & infiltrate stormwater while doubling as a deterrent along the public sidewalk. Focal Aloe Trees create visual interest & define outdoor rooms without crowding the space. The backyard features spaces for both adults and children, including a central kurapia lawn, raised native lawn play area, raised garden beds, and a custom circular conversation bench.