Matthew’s Philosophy

Consider the 5 Elements

Matthew’s landscapes reflect a sense of balance, harmony, and integration with the natural world - even when a project is in an urban environment. He considers the interplay of hardscape and softscape, the concepts of yin and yang, and also the 5 elements - Earth, Wood, Fire, Water & Space - when designing each of his landscapes.

Earth

Elements include soils, plant design, and stone masonry. Here are some examples of how we work with Earth:

  • California Native and Mediterranean deer-resistant and drought-tolerant plantings.

  • Organic soil amendments and mineral-dense fertilizers for optimum plant growth and health.

  • Incorporation of food gardens, whenever possible and desired.

  • Incorporation of art sculpture, crystals, obelisks, and statuary as desired.

Fire

The key element to creating wonderful outdoor living spaces in the Bay Area, when temperatures drop at night. We incorporate Fire into our landscape designs through:

  • The incorporation of beautiful fire features fire bowls, fire pits, fireplaces, and kitchens.

  • Timed outdoor lighting systems.

  • Solar panel installations.

Space

Matthew’s landscape design philosophy strives to make optimal use of your physical space for both beauty and function, as well as the extension of living space from indoor to outdoor. Our Projects feature a number of options including:

  • Creation of outdoor living and dining spaces, as well as outdoor kitchens.

  • Creation of urban retreats, vertical landscapes, low maintenance landscapes & edible gardens.

  • Creation of child-friendly gardens and recreational spaces.

  • Beautification of property contours, curbs, and boundaries.

Wood

One of the most versatile landscaping elements, in terms of form, texture, and function. Matthew has expert carpenters on his teams to handle any kind of woodwork necessary for your project including:

  • Fine carpentry, including decks, fences, arbors, gates, and benches, professionally built to code.

  • Use of sustainably harvested and recycled lumber, whenever possible.

  • Design with respect for existing trees and native plants present on site.

Water

A vital source of life and treated as a precious resource that can be conserved and used efficiently with appropriate irrigation design. Matthew also uses Water as a Feng Shui (wind & water) element, to add beauty and serenity to your landscape garden. We specialize in:

  • Water management systems with a focus on rainwater catchment, harvesting, recirculation, and conservation.

  • Irrigation tracked to local weather managed via wifi, or remotely to maximize client convenience and conservation.

  • Waterfalls, ponds, recirculating fountains, and freestanding water sculptures.