The Best Succulents and Cacti for Drought-Tolerant Landscaping in Pasadena
Green Splendor Landscaping: The Paths, Beds and Decks That Define Your Landscape
Date: February 17, 2025 | Reviewed By: Lupe Perez
5 Types of Landscaping You Should Know About
The landscape is often the first thing people notice when they see a property. It sets the tone before you even step through the door. A well-designed landscape can make a house feel more like home, creating a space that is inviting and personal.
At Green Splendor Landscaping, we specialize in transforming outdoor spaces into lush, vibrant areas that reflect your style and needs. By focusing on California native and other drought-tolerant plants, we create landscapes that are not only stunning but also sustainable. If you are new to landscaping, we have created this simple guide filled with inspiration and practical ideas to bring your vision to life.
What is Landscaping?
Think of your landscape as an extension of your home. It can be a relaxing retreat, an entertainment area for hosting friends, or even a playful spot for kids. Landscaping is all about shaping your outdoor space to reflect your style and needs. It is much more than planting flowers or mowing the lawn; it involves designing, arranging, and maintaining elements like plants, structures, and pathways to create a harmonious environment.
Landscaping includes both softscaping—like flowers, shrubs, and trees—and hardscaping, which involves features like patios, fences, and water elements. For drought-tolerant designs, landscaping also incorporates thoughtful irrigation systems to make sure your plants thrive while conserving water. Together, these elements work to enhance your property's overall appeal and functionality.
With the right landscaping, your outdoor space becomes more than just a yard; it becomes a place you truly enjoy spending time in.
Let us help you create a vibrant landscape.
5 Common Types of Landscaping You Should Know About
When it comes to landscaping in Southern California, incorporating designs that fit the region’s Mediterranean climate and prioritize drought-tolerant features can enhance your yard while conserving resources. Here are some popular landscaping styles that homeowners often choose:
1. Gardening
Gardening is a timeless landscaping style that can transform your outdoor space into a lush retreat. Succulents, lavender, and California natives offer vibrant color and texture while reducing water use. Whether you are cultivating a serene pollinator-friendly garden or creating a cohesive design that reflects your home’s style, gardening allows for endless customization.
Selecting plants suited to the region’s dry summers and mild winters will help your garden thrive while staying sustainable.
2. Structure Installation
Adding structures such as pergolas, trellises, or water features can elevate the look and functionality of your yard. Structures like shade-providing pergolas are especially valuable, offering relief from the sun while creating spaces for relaxation or dining. Water features, like small fountains, add a calming ambiance while adhering to water-efficient designs.
3. Pathways and Steps
Pathways and steps are always helpful for creating a seamless flow in your landscape, particularly for properties with varying elevations or distinct zones. In Southern California, using materials like natural stone, flagstone, or permeable pavers can reduce water runoff.
Pathways also guide visitors through your landscape, connecting spaces like garden areas, patios, or outdoor seating.
4. Informal Landscape
For those who appreciate a relaxed, organic look, informal landscaping can be an excellent choice. This specific style highlights natural growth patterns and low-maintenance plants, creating a yard that blends with the environment. Drought-tolerant grasses, creeping thyme, and native wildflowers tend to thrive in informal landscapes, adding texture and seasonal color without excessive upkeep.
5. Formal Landscape
If you prefer a polished and symmetrical aesthetic, formal landscaping offers a refined option. This style emphasizes clean lines and geometric patterns. Incorporating elements such as gravel pathways and Mediterranean-inspired designs can enhance both beauty and functionality.
While formal landscaping requires regular upkeep to maintain its structured appearance, the result is a sophisticated and elegant yard that leaves a lasting impression on guests.
By choosing a landscaping style that fits your needs and Southern California’s unique climate, you can create a stunning, sustainable outdoor space. If you need guidance, our team at Green Splendor Landscaping is here to help bring your vision to life.
Factors in Choosing a Landscape
When planning and constructing your ideal Southern California landscape, it is important to consider these factors, especially for drought-tolerant designs that suit the region's Mediterranean climate:
Budget
Budget is a significant factor in any landscaping project, but in Southern California, creating a sustainable and beautiful outdoor space does not have to break the bank. By incorporating drought-tolerant plants like succulents, lavender, California poppies, and more, as well as native grasses, you can achieve a lush yet cost-effective design. Limiting elaborate hardscaping and prioritizing efficient irrigation systems can further reduce costs without sacrificing the quality.
Topography
Southern California's diverse topography, from sloped hillsides to flat urban lots, plays an important role in landscape design. Careful planning ensures proper water drainage and prevents erosion while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Terracing, native plantings, and drip irrigation systems can be especially effective for adapting to the natural contours of your yard.
Your Home’s Theme and Architectural Style
Your landscaping should always complement your home's architectural style while embracing the aesthetics. For example, a Spanish-style home might pair beautifully with olive trees, decomposed granite pathways, and clay pots filled with drought-tolerant flowers. Minimalist modern homes can benefit from more sleek designs by using gravel, succulents, and lush native plants for a clean, cohesive look.
If designing your yard feels overwhelming, our team at Green Splendor Landscaping is here to help. We specialize in creating drought-tolerant landscapes tailored to Southern California’s unique climate, blending beauty and sustainability to bring out the best in your outdoor space.
Exceed Your Expectations with Green Splendor Landscaping
At Green Splendor Landscaping, we are proud to be a Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF) Certified Landscaping Professional. We are committed to promoting and using California-native plants in our projects and using environmentally responsible practices in our work.
As a licensed and insured full-service provider, we offer landscape design, installation of hardscapes, drought-tolerant landscapes, and irrigation systems throughout Pasadena, San Marino, La-Canada-Flintridge, and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley.
