Town house on the Silver strand

Town House on the Silver Strand The 'Town House on the Silver Strand,' completed by Merri Lee Marks of MLM Landscape Design, L.L.C., highlights quality and creativity in landscaping. Located in Los Angeles, the site was previously a small, nondescript outdoor space, which has now been transformed into a relaxed garden retreat within the modern architecture and setting of the townhome. The design incorporates a palette of native Californian plants to provide a robust and attractive garden. The plants include drought-tolerant succulents, perennial blooming plants with colors ranging from red to purple, and ornamental grasses for texture. The plants are layered and spaced purposefully to provide appeal throughout the growing season and minimize water requirements and maintenance. An inviting custom wooden trellis with climbing vines was installed to mark the entry and provide shade at the site of outdoor gatherings. One of the challenges with this site was the slope of the property, which creates a need for drainage to avoid water pooling and erosion. The landscape design team creatively mitigated the slope with a functionally tiered planting system by using natural stone retaining walls made of local granite. This also contributes to the integrity and rustic character of the landscape by integrating local materials visual appeal as part of the coastal environment. A cozy patio space was created using porcelain paver tiles to mimic natural stone; the benefits of these tiles include durability and wear resistance, which contributes to the entertaining aspect of outdoor living. Delicate fittings situated along the pathways and in the plantings provide ambient light and beauty in the evening. The final product met and exceeded the client's expectations in transforming their outdoor yard into an extension of their home for enjoyment and leisure. Through thoughtful execution of the design, industry standards, and a noted attention to detail, MLM Landscape Design, once again, has proven to meet their business philosophy of creating beautiful landscapes that add value to property and the quality of life for enjoyment by the homeowner.