Landscaping Ideas for California Modern Homes

Joseph Eichler has made history, re-defining the American dream home and pioneering the California modern design. Today, there are countless ideas and approaches to landscaping, and the warm California climate provides limitless possibilities for your California modern home. But, to compliment the distinct architecture of Eichler and other modern homes, there are some landscaping guidelines that, if followed, will bring a beautiful balance of nostalgia and modernism to your dwelling's outside area.

Mid-century modern architecture owes an obvious debt to Asian design principles. This influence is observed in the rectilinear geometries, open floor plans, multi functional rooms, and the all-important direct connections between the interior of the house and the adjacent garden. By following these three key principles of an authentic Japanese garden, we can begin to create an outside space that perfectly suits the mid century modern design: simplicity in material selection and detailing, appropriate plant choices, and design restraint.

Some examples of landscaping ideas that follow the above principles:

- Allow the geometry of the home to guide the overall plan. Resist the temptation to add elements that will distract or cover the key architectural design elements of your home.

- Consider a mix of materials that provide an interesting textural contrast inherent in the indoor-outdoor element of Eichler design- think rock, stone, pavement, metal, mixed in with lush grass grasses, moss, plants and trees.

- Play with simple, but striking geometric patterns and contrast- think rectangular paving stones next to linear stalks of bamboo.

- Balance the interplay between all elements. Repetition of patterns is often signature. For this effect, first narrow the scope of elements you wish to work with. You can then use these well chosen elements in distinct ways. Good artists can create masterpieces, using only a few colors.

- Select water-wise plants that maintain their foliage year-round.

- Consider a water feature, like a fountain.

The following is a list of possible plants, shrubs and trees to consider using as accents and groundcover.

Accent Plants, Trees and Shrubs:

- Horsetail reed, Cape Rush, Papyrus and Feathergrasses

- Sedge, New Zealand Flax, Cordyline, Fountain Grass and Blue Oat Grass

- Bamboo, Japanese Maples, Weeping Atlas Cedar, Smoke Trees, Weeping Cherry, Purple Hop Bush

Groundcover: Grasses, Moss and Stones:

- Irish Moss, Baby's Tears, Dead Nettle, Black Mondo Grass

- Mexican Pebbles, River Rock, Pea Gravel, Decomposed Granite