Fairy Yardmother Landscape Design

by Kathy Oberg, Landscape Designer, Central Coast CA.
FairyYardmother[at]gmail[dot]com

Thank you for visiting my site. I enjoy bringing you pictures of gardens, plants, and ideas from sunny California. I love sharing after-photos that show how my landscape plans, plant lists and layouts come to life.
As a designer, I use plants to create drama, provide color and form, and compliment the architectural style of your home.
I strive to provide a buffer from sun, street, and neighbors while still fostering connections.
Inspired plant choices and site layout can make any space a success.
I am a Certified Watershed Wise Professional, with techniques to improve soil health and keep more water on your property.
I can help you makeover your patio, paths, planting areas, or entire property. I will consult with you, choose a look you love, and compose a plan and plant list to update your landscape, re-using what you already have wherever we can.
Each project is different because it is about making your space really shine.


Monday, October 18, 2010

Under-Sea Succulent Garden -- UPDATE!

I have always fantasized about creating an Under-Sea succulent garden, especially surrounding one of the Streamline Moderne (Nautical) apartment buildings and houses you see around L.A. Here is a painfully lonely one on Hyperion, with no landscaping whatsoever.


I love Art Deco. And I love the idea of taking the fantasy further by creating a sea-floor scene with succulents, cacti and rock all around one of those lovely buildings. A berm around the perimeter would give some privacy, too. Haven't quite figured out a way to represent the ocean water, flotsam and jetsam-ing all around the building yet!!
There is something about the way these cacti and succulents echo the forms of  ocean-life that is so charming and amusing. The recognition of a sea star or coral or an eel make us almost giddy. Always nice to feel young and full of wonder, isn't it?
Here is an example of an Under-Sea fantasy garden -- yet another side to San Diego Botanical Gardens!






Wouldn't this house be a great candidate for this landscaping as well?
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6 comments:

  1. Catharine Howard's Garden BlogSeptember 3, 2010 at 9:21 AM

    Kathy this is so clever - needs a dry garden climate, albeit. There was a show garden rather like yours at Chelsea Flower Show 2 years back I will see if I have any pics in my archives.

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  2. KimberlySeptember 5, 2010 at 3:01 AM

    What great interest and creativity! I love succulents and all things ocean...two awesome combinations, yet seemingly polar opposites. VERY COOL!!!!

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  3. Candice Suter.....SweetstuffSeptember 8, 2010 at 10:04 PM

    This is awesome! I was working on a seascape succulent garden when I ruptured 2 vertebrae this year. So my plans are on hold for this year. This is so beautiful and gives me some great ideas!

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  4. Kathy ObergSeptember 8, 2010 at 10:28 PM

    Thanks for appreciating the pics, everyone -- great concept, hey?

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  5. Diana StuderOctober 19, 2010 at 2:00 AM

    That garden style would be wonderful with those apartments. Just curious, are there LARGE windows on the hidden side? Otherwise they must be very dark inside?

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  6. SuzanneNovember 9, 2010 at 6:23 AM

    Love these!!!!!

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