It may not be readily apparent in the populated area of northwest Los Angeles, but this foothill region west of the Angeles National Forest has a rich agricultural history that some who have taken an interest in landscaping Northridge have found unique ways to celebrate. The vast cityscape that makes up this area of greater Los Angeles is dotted with reminders of the orchards and farms that used to dominate this valley. Here and there can be found vine-covered outbuildings and other botanical remnants of the orange groves and fields of grapevines that used to color the landscape. Luckily, some conscientious homeowners who have a sense of history have sought to keep that part of Los Angeles’ past alive with some unique approaches to landscaping Northridge, or at least their little corner of it. Evidence of this effort to maintain a link with the agricultural heritage of Los Angeles can be found in the occasional barn or wooden storage shed that doubles as a guest house or a recreation room. Some homeowners have even turned old wells and pump machinery into working fountains, using a little ingenuity and a lot of imagination. These touches add an indigenous look to a property while attaining a practical use of existing materials, elevating the landscaping of Northridge to a heightened level of truly forward-looking design possibilities. Although it may be hard to believe for some, there is actually plenty of greenery in Northridge. Native trees, and imported flora that have found their way to this area in the wagons and trunks of many a traveler’s caravan, are still thriving in pockets of this metropolitan region. Homeowners and city planners have found ways to retain the natural color and atmosphere that has been a part of this valley for centuries. The simple act of digging up part of a lawn to plant flower beds or vegetable gardens not only improves the value of a property, but also helps to keep a part of California’s rustic past alive and well in the present, if not in the future as well. The outdoor heritage of this area can also be seen in the stonework that some residents incorporate into their exterior themes. Fireplaces, barbecue pits, and swimming pool areas made with stone or textured concrete add a distinctly homegrown flavor to backyards and patio areas. Considering the fact that most Californians love to entertain, especially in areas of their homes that display their own unique taste and flair for design, it’s a wonder that more people don’t dress up their backyards and patios with such appropriate touches. Of course, landscaping Northridge does include lawn and garden work. Yet the extra steps many people take to elaborate on the natural beauty of their property involve so much more. Even a simple but elegant lighting scheme can enhance an outdoor environment, and is a relatively inexpensive proposition. The addition of some artistic tile work and maybe a stone planter or two can have an amazing effect on any backyard area.  Read more...

The bedroom community of Westlake Village is noted for its outdoor life, being located around Westlake and within just a few miles of the Malibu Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Hiking, biking, sailing, and golfing are just some of the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here, and the locals make the most of it. One way in which residents of Westlake Village appreciate the environment they live in is evident in the beauty of the exterior designs of homes and commercial properties in the area. Landscaping Westlake Village is an endeavor that people take seriously, and the results can be seen in the variety of approaches that are undertaken to this end. Those who are lucky enough to live around the lake take great pride in their homes, and well they should. The ability to walk out one’s back door and sit on the patio furniture while gazing across the water and basking in that famous California sun is a pleasure that can only be understood by experiencing it. The many ways that these people show their appreciation for having the opportunity to live in such an inspiring atmosphere is by finding unique ways in landscaping Westlake Village. This will most often include an overall patio design scheme that takes advantage of the view of the lake. Since so much time is spent on the back patio taking in the sights, the patio cover is perhaps one of the most important features of the backyard area. There will be simple vine-covered lattice work over the patio, with some modest but tasteful furniture to relax in. Other homes will have more elaborate patio covers made of cedar or redwood, complete with stone barbecue pit installed for those outdoor gatherings that are so popular in this neck of the woods. Stone work can also be found extending throughout the backyard area. Deck floors and pathways around the backyard will often be made of natural stone or textured concrete, sometimes color-matched to highlight the theme of the patio furnishings. Creative lighting designs will also be part of the exterior design. This is perhaps one of the easiest and cost-effective ways of landscaping Westlake Village homes, yet it’s overall effect can be invaluable. Of course, floral designs are also a big part of landscaping Westlake Village homes. The wonderful year round climate of Southern California lends itself to gardening, and flowers can be found in abundance throughout the area. Carefully planned and elaborate planting schemes are a source of pride for the entire community, as evidenced in the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens that grace many homes and public green spaces. The city of Westlake Village is one of the most well-designed and rewarding places to live in the state, if not the country. A major reason for this is the thought and effort put into landscaping Westlake Village, not only by the proud homeowners who continue to redefine the look of their habitat, but by the city planners who have joined in the campaign to beautify this corner of paradise.  Read more...

Show them how much you enjoy gardening. Spend time in your garden. It is especially easy to stimulate a child’s interests when they see you having fun. Make gardening easy. Don’t expect a perfect garden. Allow your family to work at their own pace and within their attention spans and age range, especially children. Dig it! Kids love to dig. This is a great way to teach the basics while letting them play and just have fun.   Let them play an active role in planning. Take your children to the local nursery and let them pick seeds or transplants to start their garden. Take your time and let them browse and enjoy all of the beautiful plants. Grow a theme garden. This is a great way to let your children use their imagination and express their creativity. The sky is the limit. Some great ideas are gardens that coincide with the holidays, alphabet gardens, a garden themed in their favorite colors, a sensory garden where you can experience different smells, tastes, textures and sights, or a “Freedom Garden”. Give children their own “kid sized” tools. They don’t have to be expensive. You can go with an old spoon and a bucket that you have around the house or you can venture down to the garden center and purchase garden tools made for children’s hands. Give them a space to call their own. It doesn’t have to be big. This will teach them ownership and responsibility, and your children will be able to take credit for their own little space. Get crafty! Press or dry flowers to make a beautiful arrangement, make potpourri, or make a pomander ball. Children love making things and will be amazed at the crafts and gifts that they can make from the garden. Grow a vegetable garden. Your children will be amazed that they can grow their own food. Be sure to use organic pesticides. Use gardening to brush up your children’s math and science skills. Let them count the seeds they are planting, or teach them how plants are living things. Not only will you capture their attention, you will be polishing their skills as you go. Have a contest. Kids love to be rewarded. Be sure to give each child a reward; the biggest tomato, the prettiest flower, or perhaps the best tasting herbs (a little Spray-N-Grow will help!) Don’t try to do it all! Pick a few of these tips that you know are best for your family and have fun with them. After all, gardening is meant to be fun and easy. And with a little help, something the whole family can enjoy. Original Article  Read more...

The community known as Agoura Hills, nestled between the town of Agoura and Westlake Village on the Ventura freeway, is a bustling little metropolis that has managed to retain its California flavor in the architecture and the green space designs that the city planners and the homeowners have incorporated into the cityscape. A major aspect of the look of this community is how the residents approach the job of landscaping Agoura Hills. The proximity of the town to the Santa Monica Mountains and the Los Virgenes-Malibu area network of hike-and-bike trails that are enjoyed by both the townspeople and the many visitors to the area each year is reflected in the choices that have been made when landscaping Agoura Hills. A mixture of high desert geography and coastal flora are infused into the planning of residential and commercial zones, and the result is an artistic blend of history and tasteful innovation. Evidence of the mission era of early California is interspersed with the modern face of glass and concrete, as adobe walls and brick-faced houses are blended with new office complexes that reflect the modernity and architectural style of today’s Los Angeles. Landscaping Agoura Hills is the glue that makes these seemingly diverse influences work together so well, especially in the creative ways in which homeowners and apartment communities choose to renovate the façade of their dwellings. The art of landscaping Agoura Hills does not necessarily require a complete remodeling job. There are many subtle touches that can re-invigorate a house or any structure, for that matter. Even a simple upgrade in lighting around a patio or a courtyard can do wonders for the look of a place. Intelligent use of focused spotlights and softly-hued string lights, discreetly imbedded in the shrubbery and along walkways, can make a backyard come alive at night, completely changing the ambience of the sunlight and shadows of the daytime. The French Provincial look of several of the structures within the town adds yet another layer to the tapestry. Landscaping Agoura Hills often includes the characteristic stone fountains and ironwork that decorate courtyards and inner sanctums of backyard areas. Brick walks and tiled patio walls can be tastefully added to existing exterior themes to enhance the lawn and the garden areas that many homeowners take such pride in. Garden areas in particular are a source of pride in accomplishment for those who have taken an interest in landscaping Agoura Hills. A drive downtown can reveal as many floral splendors as a drive through the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Flower beds are not the only way in which homeowners choose to improve upon the beauty of their dwelling. Vegetable gardens are also quite popular in this town, and clever designing of these plots into the fabric of a backyard panorama adds a genuine rustic feel that agrees with the lay of the land. Many times, these improvements are done in increments, either from budgetary considerations or as the scope of the project expands. There seems to be no limit to the clever ways in which the residents approach the job of landscaping Agoura Hills.  Read more...