Tree #4) Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Above are two beautiful design applications using Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'. This is such a striking plant, and I've been longing to use it in a modern context. It is wonderful massed along side sculpture (because it is sculpture!). And, it is dramatic arched over a concrete entry way, framing a bold graphic feature of Scarpa's architecture. I love that it is paired with a green trailing vine as well. This takes away some of the cold and hard qualities of the concrete. What I love about these two examples is that neither of them are sad. And this tree tends to have that effect.

I also love the pairing above (Agave spp. and Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold'). The agave picks up on the icy blue coloring of the cedar, and the somberness that this color palette might have is awakened by the shocking yellow of the coleonema. And the dark metallic gray pots make the perfect backdrop.

Details:
Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
Common Name: Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Family: Pinaceae
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Insignificant
Height: 15-20’
Width: 15-20’
Availability: Monrovia

Tree #3) Acacia stenophylla

The beautiful specimen shown in the top image is an Acacia stenophylla in a narrow planting bed in Berkeley. Over a year or so, it has gone from a few gangly looking young trees, to a full, 10 foot high, green billowy screen. It's very effective in hiding the cars and asphalt lot behind it.

Currently, the trunks of these trees are barely visible. I'm assuming that with age, its trunk will extend upwards, taking the screening with it. Perhaps, if the lower branches aren't taken off, it can continue to stay as a screen. This remains to be seen. And, unfortunately, there are no examples online of this tree being used as a screen.

But I think there is a lot of potential here. It doesn't look so substantial as a single tree, and it is hardly a focal point as it is a bit gangly. But, when massed together, it could serve as a really nice screen within a larger garden design. I've explored the concept of a 'weeping threshold/screen' below.

I'm excited to incorporate this into future work, while keeping an eye on the ones in Berkeley and seeing how they mature.

Details:
Botanical Name: Acacia stenophylla
Common Name: Shoe-String Acacia
Family: Fabaceae
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Spring
Height: 20-30’
Width: 10-20’
Availability: San Marcos Growers

Tree #2) Cupressus sempervirens 'Monshel'

I'm drawn to the Italian Cypress and its ability to create striking drama and rhythm in the landscape. However, its typically used in traditional designs, which is a turn off. Recently, I saw it used in a modern design, which has gotten me really excited (image below).

As you can see, its used on a hillside (so fitting), along with shrubby masses (perhaps Westringia) and the statement-making Yucca rostrata. Everything about this image is singing to me... and I think here's why. The palette is so restrained, and limited to form, color and rhythm. In terms of form, there are two striking vertical forms, and one wide rounded shrubby form. The 3 yuccas in the front echo the pattern of the cypresses in the back. And, the one in the planter nicely breaks up that pattern and melds together foreground and background, left and right of the stairway, etc. The varying heights and similar colors (bluish greens), bring this composition together. And, I'm reminded that grade changes can be dramatized with plant verticality, rhythm, and lots of restraint.

The corten steel planters and stair risers (covered in crushed granite) are also so beautiful and an important part of the composition. The red of the corten compliments the greens of the landscape. And the brightness of the crushed granite contrasts the darkness of both the corten and plantings. If this were a movie, and I were a movie critic, the man would be standing in his chair clapping.

Details:
Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens 'Monshel'
Common Name: Tiny Tower® Italian Cypress
Family: Cupressaceae
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Insignificant
Height: 25-30’
Width: 3’
Availability: Monrovia

Tree #1) Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady'

I've selected this tree for its interesting twisted foliage, contorted branching form, and its potential to add interest to the garden. I love its minty, pale green color too. And, its flowers are white and not too garish - which is right up my alley. In its deciduous state, its contorted branches take center stage. And, like others in the Fabaceae family, it has legumes that persist on the bare branches, adding another layer of interest.

Since it only grows about 15 feet high and wide, it may be limited to applications in smaller garden areas. It would be well used in a raised planter, underplanted with low fine textured shrubs like grasses. Its form and color vaguely remind me of a grapevine, and I think it could work well in a Sonoma-inspired palette, including B) Muhlenbergia rigens, C) Vitis 'Roger's Red', and D) Cercis occidentalis (a Fabaceae family member). These green tones would compliment golden crushed granite, low stacked stone walls, and a splashy water feature. It could also look great grown over a trellis or doorway.

Details:
Botanical Name: Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady'
Common Name: Twisty Baby™ Dwarf Black Locust
Family: Fabaceae
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Medium Water Needs
Flower Time: Spring
Height: 15’
Width: 15’
Availability: Monrovia