Thoughtful Outdoor Environments Designed Around the Way You Live

Every property presents a different opportunity. The right landscape design should respond to the architecture of the home, the character of the site, the Southern California climate, and the way you want to use your outdoor space.

The portfolio section will continue to grow as new projects are completed. In the meantime, this page introduces the types of landscapes, gardens, and outdoor environments Alan Dunn Landscape Design can help create.

Explore Landscape Design Possibilities

Modern Coastal Landscapes

Create a relaxed, refined outdoor environment inspired by Southern California’s coastal setting. Modern coastal landscapes may combine pale stone, clean architectural lines, natural textures, ornamental grasses, olive trees, and drought-tolerant planting.

These landscapes are designed to feel open, comfortable, and connected to the surrounding environment.

Design elements may include:

• Natural stone and concrete paving
• Coastal and water-wise planting
• Minimalist outdoor seating
• Sculptural trees and ornamental grasses
• Soft landscape lighting
• Clean transitions between the home and garden

Mediterranean Gardens

Mediterranean landscape design brings together warm materials, timeless planting, and inviting outdoor spaces. This style works especially well with homes featuring stucco, tile, stone, or Spanish and Mediterranean architectural details.

A Mediterranean garden may include terracotta, olive trees, lavender, rosemary, bougainvillea, fountains, gravel paths, and shaded courtyards.

Design elements may include:

• Terracotta or natural stone paving
• Olive and citrus trees
• Lavender, rosemary, and Mediterranean herbs
• Courtyards and garden rooms
• Decorative fountains
• Stucco walls and architectural planting

Drought-Tolerant and California Native Landscapes

Water-wise landscape design can be beautiful, expressive, and full of texture. By selecting plants that are appropriate for the Southern California climate, a landscape can reduce water demands while maintaining strong visual appeal.

Drought-tolerant gardens may include California native plants, ornamental grasses, agave, sages, manzanita, yucca, and other species selected for the conditions of the property.

Design elements may include:

• California native plants
• Low-water trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Efficient irrigation planning
• Mulch and soil improvements
• Reduced-lawn planting concepts
• Natural stone and decomposed granite
• Low-maintenance garden areas

Contemporary Outdoor Living Spaces

A well-designed backyard can become a natural extension of the home. Outdoor living spaces are planned around the activities that matter most, whether that means hosting dinner, relaxing beside a fire, enjoying a quiet morning, or spending time with family.

These spaces can combine hardscape construction, garden installation, shade, lighting, seating, and carefully placed planting.

Design elements may include:

• Outdoor dining areas
• Lounge and seating areas
• Patios and terraces
• Fire features
• Shade structures
• Outdoor kitchens
• Integrated garden planting
• Landscape lighting

Custom Courtyards and Garden Rooms

Courtyards and garden rooms create a sense of enclosure, privacy, and discovery. They can make a large property feel more intimate or transform an underused area into a destination within the landscape.

A garden room may be designed for entertaining, dining, meditation, reading, or simply enjoying the surrounding planting.

Design elements may include:

• Enclosed patios
• Garden walls
• Stone pathways
• Seating areas
• Water features
• Privacy planting
• Shade trees and structures
• Decorative containers and focal points

Poolside Landscape Design

Pool areas should feel integrated with the property rather than added as an afterthought. Thoughtful poolscape design connects the pool, patio, planting, outdoor seating, and home into one cohesive environment.

Plant selection and materials should also be considered for safety, maintenance, privacy, drainage, and the surrounding climate.

Design elements may include:

• Poolside planting
• Natural stone or paver decking
• Outdoor lounges
• Privacy screening
• Shade structures
• Fire and water features
• Low-maintenance planting
• Soft landscape lighting