Every home deserves an entrance that reflects its unique character. This project in Fortuna, CA, was a collaboration with a homeowner seeking to transform their yard with a custom designed English Cottage Garden, Courtest of Laura Frost Design. At Green Sun Landscaping, we specialize in bringing these visions to life, building custom designs that stand apart from the standard.
The project began with a simple question: How can we replace a monolithic green lawn with something that breathes? In the heart of Fortuna, California, we stripped away the traditional turf to make room for a living tapestry. This wasn't just about planting flowers; it was about creating an ecosystem of textures. We replaced the linear constraints of the front yard with serpentine gravel paths that invite you to slow down. Now, instead of a chore to be mowed, the garden is a destination to be experienced—a place where the morning coastal fog clings to the petals of climbing roses and the air smells of damp earth and blooming lavender.
An English cottage garden is never truly finished without its 'characters.' We integrated a heavy stone turtle—a nod to the slow, deliberate pace of garden life—nestled among the groundcovers. The transition from the formal brick entry to the crunch of the decomposed granite paths signals a shift in energy: you are no longer on the sidewalk; you are in a sanctuary. The contrast between the weathered wood of the garden bench and the crisp white of the rose-covered trellises creates a space that feels both timeless and meticulously cared for.
Phase I: The Blank Canvas
The transformation started with the heavy lifting. Using a Kubota loader, we removed layers of tired sod to reveal the raw potential of the soil. This phase is about clearing the "noise" of the old yard to make way for a new geometry.
Phase II: Defining the Flow
Cottage gardens thrive on the tension between wild planting and structured pathways. We installed flexible, deep-red edging to map out the 'S' curves of the garden. These winding veins serve as the permanent skeleton, ensuring that even in winter, the garden maintains a sense of movement and intentionality.
The Climbing Perimeter:
The existing white pergolas were treated as vertical extensions of the garden. We trained lush, pale pink and cream climbing roses to soften the fence line, creating a "walled garden" feel that provides privacy without losing light.
The Textural Understory:
We curated a palette designed for the Pacific Northwest coast. You’ll find the wispy, ethereal plumes of ornamental grasses contrasted against the structural, waxy leaves of Bergenia and the vibrant, low-growing mounds of flowering perennials.
The Finishing Touch:
A thick layer of rich, dark wood mulch serves two purposes: it suppresses weeds and retains the precious Fortuna moisture, while providing a high-contrast backdrop that makes the green foliage "pop."
Phase III: The Staging
Before a single hole was dug, we "painted" with the pots. By placing the perennials and shrubs—ranging from the chartreuse pop of Japanese Forest Grass to the deep burgundies of Heuchera—we could visualize the mature heights and color harmonies. This stage is where the architecture of the garden truly comes to life.
This project is just one example of the custom work we do. If you have a vision for a unique fence, gate, or other landscaping feature, we're the team to call.
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