A planting plan has to work long after the plants leave the nursery.
The appearance matters, but so do mature size, irrigation, sunlight, water needs, maintenance, spacing, climate, and how different plants behave together over time.
Carmen’s years of working directly with plants and completed landscapes bring a practical perspective to every palette.
The goal is not simply to select attractive plants.
It is to create a planting composition that makes sense for the location and continues to work as the garden develops.
When appropriate, Carmen may explore California-adapted, Mediterranean-climate, lower-water, or other climate-conscious planting choices.
A water-conscious garden can still feel soft, layered, colorful, and generous.
Visual richness can come from texture, foliage, repetition, movement, plant form, seasonal change, and thoughtful combinations rather than excessive variety.
Depending on scope: