The Father of California Landscape Designs Today's elaborate and stylish high-end landscape designs first appeared in affluent areas of Southern California at the beginning of the 1930's.
An educated landscape architect with experience in the popular garden styles of Europe in this era, Thomas Church, began a landscape design firm in downtown San Francisco and quickly became a household name in Southern California outdoor planning.
During his 45 year career in California landscape design, Church created more than 2,000 custom garden designs in some of the most prosperous areas and developments of Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside, all during the prime of modern architectural development.
These functional, yet beautiful, outdoor living spaces resulted in a trend that is still growing in popularity across the nation of extending the living space of a home into the openness of nature.
The Many Faces of this Unique Design Style The homes of Southern California are some of the most remarkable structures in the world and represent a variety of unique architectural styles.
California landscape designs complement these fine homes with carefully selected plants, materials, and accessories to create a central theme that blends outdoor charm with sophisticated style for a magnificent outdoor living area.
While most of the various landscape designs seen across Southern California possess a rustic, Old World appearance, there are also classy, formal garden styles that reflect a more contemporary atmosphere.
The influence of the European Mediterranean can also be seen in many California garden styles.
With so many differentgarden styles and influences seen in the landscape designs of of this area, there is one common thread among them all.
Each and every California landscape design is carefully planned to reflect the relaxed, natural lifestyle of the warm Mediterranean coast while complementing the style of the most lavish homes.
These Mediterranean styled designs are simple, but sophisticated, functional, as well as ornate, and these outdoor living spaces are truly designed for outdoor living.
Elements of a California style garden may include:

• Natural accessories, like unfinished furniture or terra cotta planters
• Colorful cushions, patio ware, lighting, and flower pots, with bright, vivid colors
• Simple materials, like bark, gravel, and stone, accent water features and create walkways

Because of the wonderful diversity throughout Southern California, the landscape designs are also unique but they are all carefully planned to make outdoor living at home convenient, relaxing, and a beautiful part of your residence.
With so many different garden styles to choose from, it is often best to employ the services of an experienced California landscape design firm.