Author: Jeff Cleator

Sustainable furniture

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

Sustainable furniture is all part of creating an environmentally friendly space indoor or out.

One company that I am very excited about is Environmental Furniture  www.environmentfurniture.com. Their work is really designed for the indoor use but I cant wait to use their products in a open concept floor plan where rooms merge seamlessly with the outdoors. Imagine a bedroom with one of Environmental Furniture beds looking out a set of glass according doors to a landscape full of greenery and a beautiful water feature.

Please take a look at the website and you will quickly see how, not only how beautiful but environmentally friendly their line of products are. For if your looking to redo you lifestyle inside and out to aline with the “green” movement don’t forget the furniture and of course the landscape.

If you would like to have Cleator Landscape Design help create an environmentally friendly design for your property please contact us at 619.917.3644

Landscape Design with a coastal influence

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

Landscape Design along the coast here in San Diego comes with a few challenges but also some great opportunities as well. Not only does the coastal environment come with a chance to create a strong sense of place with giant clam shell and driftwood turned into succulent planters along with the swaying movement of ornamental grasses. But we can also look to incorporate native plants such as Cleveland Sage, Island Snapdragon, and Sand verbena which have evolved to handle the harsh conditions found along the coast. Non native plants that are not invasive such as Coast rosemary, Echeveria and Aeoniums stand up nicely to the salt, sun and wind often found along the shore.

When planting along the coast its always best to seek out plants that have grown locally to thrive in theses demanding conditions or to find imports that share similar characteristics. As always stay away from invasive plants that will likely escape your property and out compete local native plants communities.

If you would like to have Cleator Landscape Design help create a beautiful outdoor space with a coastal theme please contact us at 619.917.3644

San Diego Drought

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

As we close the book on the winter season here in San Diego we have to consider not only the short term effects of this drought but also look toward the future and recognize that this is going to be the trend for years to come. In a region like ours when in good years every drop of the 10 or so inches of rainfall counts you can see how precious it all is when we don’t even receive half of that.

Not only is it time to ditch the lawns and water thirsty plants for drought tolerant plants and natives, but we also need to plan for a intense fire season. Clear brush around your home, maintaining the defensible space. Planting vegetation that has a slower burn rate is a start as is using appropriate fire safe materials around your home and cleaning out gutters all will help if the worse was to come.

No one said it had to be ugly, you can create beautiful outdoor spaces that are fire safe and drought tolerant. Please remember that we live in a coastal desert and our landscapes should reflect the limitations that creates.

If you would like to have Cleator Landscape Design create a beautiful outdoor space for you please contact us at 619.917.3644

Ornamental grass for San Diego

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

I really feel that ornamental grasses are often the unsung heroes of successful landscape design. Its hard to think of another plant or family of plants that can offer so much diversity and interest to a outdoor space then ornamental grasses.

I know that I have spoken about ornamental grasses before, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites again with you today.

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ for the steely blue color and low habit.

Festuca mairei for some more height and that meadow look.

Muhlenbergia rigens bigger still, this native is great for habitat gardens.

Chondropetalum tectorum for the clean modern look.

Dianella revoluta tend to look like a cross between phormium and dietes.

Lomandra longifolia for its great color and tidy appearance.

Ornamental grasses bring movement, color, texture and interest to your outdoor space in a way that few others can. With a little know-how they can be paired with almost any style your seeking to create an amazing space you will cherish.

If you would like Cleator Landscape Design to help create a beautiful outdoor space for your property please contact us at 619.917.3644

What does a landscape designer do?

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

I feel that their is some confusion to what a Landscape Designer or at least a good one is capable of doing. Many different titles have been used to describe what a good Landscape Designer does, terms such as Garden Designer, Outdoor Designer, Exterior Designer and others have been used in an attempt to inform clients of what kind of services we provide.

I feel that the main area of confusion is some client believe that a Landscape Designers only creates the plant layout and all other elements would need to be designed by a contractor or other professional. For some less skilled Garden Designers that may be true, however in my opinion any Landscape Designer worth his or her salt would be in charge of designing all outdoor elements. That included selecting the plants and their layout, designer the hardscape and selecting materials, designing all built elements from pools, fireplaces, to decks, arbors, outdoor kitchens, and so on. It doesn’t stop there  they should be selecting outdoor furniture, fabric, accent pieces, lighting, discussing paint colors and so on. Think of us as a cross between an Architect and a Interior Designer but for everything on the outside of your home.

When you let one professional design all your outdoor elements the chances for a unified coherent theme increases. You don’t end up with a mix and match approach, which is never as pleasing as a single design theme. So don’t be afraid to seek out a high quality Landscape Designer for your next outdoor project, they wont let you down.

If you would like to have Cleator Landscape Design help create a beautiful outdoor space for your propriety please contact us at 619.917.3644

mission hills

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

Cleator Landscape Design is a full-service landscape design firm offering functionally innovative and sustainable landscapes for every budget in Mission Hills.

Over the last decade, our specialists have developed an expert portfolio of landscape designs in Mission Hills, as well as other coastal San Diego areas. Through expert design, installation, and beyond, your residential and commercial landscaping vision will come to life with Cleator Landscape Design. 

Founder and Principal Designer Jeff Cleator holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Landscape Design from George Washington University, as well as regional landscape certificates. He works directly with each client through design, installation, and beyond to ensure each project meets the homeowners’ vision and continues to thrive for years to come.  

Mission Hills is known for its numerous Craftsman style homes, period appropriate landscape designs, and welcoming feel. Views of the bay, city skyline, and impeccable turn of the century homes are just some of the reasons Mission Hills has become one of the most desirable areas in San Diego to live and work in. 

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your landscape design project in Mission Hills today.

loma portal III

Posted on by Jeff Cleator

This Spanish Revival home was in need of a landscape that would showcase its beauty without blocking sight lines for its sits on a challenging intersection. These young clients wanted a colorful, low maintenance landscape that would set the stage for their fast paced lifestyle without becoming a chore. By using a handful of child friendly succulents, vibrant groundcovers and a few complimentary colored shrubs we were able to provide the balance the clients desired. A large olive tree was brought in an placed near the front door to provide much needed height and a sense of maturity to the landscape. By replacing the old walkway with a new style appropriate saltillo and talavera tile walkway we were able to create a more welcoming entrance. Now this property has the warm colors, visual interest and sense of excitement deserving such a wonderful example of Spanish Architecture without becoming a maintenance or safety issue. Continue reading →