Riparian Cabin
In a canyon of carmel valley this home is nestled on three sides by a seasonal creek. On the steep slopes of the canyon is an oak woodland transitioning to chaparral. However the home is quietly resting below Redwood, Sycamore, Willow, and Alder trees enjoying the water in this Riparian corridor. Despite the canyon and forests all around this home enjoys good sun exposure to the south creating a hot canyon oasis in the summer.
HABITAT TYPE
Oak Woodland • Coastal • Redwood • Riparian • Rural
DESIGN CONSTRAINTS
Sandy loam • Deep shade • Deer/rabbit grazing
DESIGN FEATURES
Water Feature • Kids Play Area • Low Maintenance • Vegetable Garden • Pergola / Trellis • Hardscape (walls, pathways, stairs, terraces) • Fire-Smart Landscape (WUI compliant)
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES
Rain Garden/Bioswales • Organic/Permaculture Practices • Carbon Sequestration • CA Native and Drought Tolerant Non-Native Plants • Permeable Pathways • Recycled Materials • Complex Adaptive Systems • Increased Biodiversity • Soil Ecological Health • Climate Positive Design • Adaptive Management
A chorus of frogs can be heard year round at this creekside oasis
The front yard is full of low water use natives and succulents surrounding a small water pond that hosts frogs and other water creatures.
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A permeable pathway made of recycled pavers the client had held onto over the years to create a connection from the deck to the vegetable garden.
Fruit trees thrive in the backyard including a 50+ year old Santa Rosa Plum. An Apple, Apricot, Elderberry, and Lemons were added.
Featured Plants
Frontyard:
Redwood (existing) • Woodland Strawberry • Succulents, various species • Woodwardia Fern • Rhododendron • Douglas Iris • Yerba Buena
Backyard:
Fruit Trees (Plum, Apple, Apricot, Lemons) • Mixed Vegetable and Flower Garden • Berkeley Sedge • Ca Fuschia • Elderberry • Trumpet Flower • Clematis • Velvet Geranium • Succulents, various species
