Field + Studio: Winter 2023/2024

Written By Stephen Blewett

CRAFT LA is a collaboration of experienced landscape architects, designers, and naturalists orchestrating deeper and more meaningful interactions with the natural environment. We bring Big Nature to all spaces by designing through a lens that engages the natural environment – a biodiverse landscape rich in texture and fragrant native plants, teeming with local song birds, butterflies, and other beneficial critters. 

Field + Studio is a journal to share our thoughts, seasonal observations, resources, and studio happenings.

Hello and Happy Winter (opps it’s Spring)!

As California begins to blossom around us and the air fills with the sweet scent of California lilac and Chaparral currant, we’re embracing the season of renewal by indulging in leisurely strolls through vibrant California landscapes. With the promise of warmer days ahead, now is the time to sow the seeds of new beginnings and breathe life into our outdoor spaces. Let’s seize this opportunity to cultivate connection in our landscape and bask in the beauty of nature’s awakening.

Here’s to a delightful interlude brimming with sunny days and fragrant foliage.

xo, the CRAFT LA team


Plants of Note

An ode to our love for California native plants, the plants that have been evolving in our region for millennia, acclimated to our specific climate, and symbiotically bound to the wildlife around us. We want to celebrate these plants (and animals) with you, our dear friends.

“Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.” —Robin Wall Kimmerer

Ceanothus leucodermis, Chaparral whitethorn hovering high at 6,000’

Hi friends, Stephen here, and we’re gonna talk about Ceanothus! Ceanothus, the glorious harbinger of spring in California, holds a special place in my heart unlike any other plant. It was my first love among native California flora, igniting a passion for the natural beauty of this region that continues to grow with each passing season.

In my iPhone photo album, Ceanothus features prominently, its delicate clusters of vibrant blue and white flowers captured in various stages of bloom. Each snapshot serves as a reminder of the joy it brings me, signaling the arrival of spring with its enchanting display of color and fragrance.

The diversity of Ceanothus never fails to amaze me. From sprawling groundcovers to majestic small trees, it graces the garden in all shapes and sizes, offering versatility and beauty in equal measure. Its presence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the landscape but also supports local ecology, providing habitat and sustenance for a myriad of pollinators and wildlife.

Hairy ceanothus, Ceaonthus oliganthus next to chaparral currant outside of Altadena in Angeles National Forest

Chaparral whitethorn, next to a large boulder is a dream.

One of the most enchanting sights in Southern California is the hillsides ablaze with the electric blue blooms of Ceanothus. It's a spectacle that never fails to captivate me, a vivid reminder of the resilience and splendor of nature in this region.

Beyond its ornamental value, Ceanothus holds a rich cultural significance. Indigenous peoples once utilized its leaves as a natural soap, a testament to its multifaceted utility and importance in traditional practices.

Each time I encounter Ceanothus in bloom, whether in the wild or cultivated in a garden, it elicits a sense of wonder and gratitude within me. It serves as a tangible connection to the land and its history, reminding me of the enduring beauty and resilience of California's native flora. Truly, my love for Ceanothus runs deep, woven into the very fabric of my appreciation for the natural world.

If you want to learn more about Ceanothus check out our fiends at the links below, or give us a holler. We’re always willing to lend a hand, or better yet an adventurous stroll in the mountains.

Cheers to Big Nature,

—Stephen

p.s. here’s a short list of our garden favs in no particular order:

Ceanothus ‘Joyce Coulter’, C. ‘Valley Violet’, C. ‘Ray Hartman’, C. crassifolius, C. ‘Yankee Point’, C. ‘Blue Jeans’, C. ‘Concha’, C. ‘Snow Flurry’

Online resources for California lilac and other species of the genus:

Calscape
Las Pilitas Nursery
Theodore Payne Foundation (scroll down to Ceanothus)
Tree of Life Nursery (download their plant catalog)

 

Designing for ecological resiliency at Highview

We're excited to announce our newest endeavor, HIGHVIEW, where we're diving deep into the spirit of California's coastal sage scrub community. Our designs go beyond the surface, celebrating the ephemeral qualities that make this landscape exceptionally compelling.

Drawing inspiration from the architectural character of the home, designed by the talented team at Laney LA, our team is crafting designs that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings, honoring the intrinsic coastal landscape. Every element is meticulously curated to complement the environment while reflecting the core of our client's vision.

But it doesn't stop there – our approach isn't solely focused on aesthetics. We're dedicated to creating dynamic ecosystems within our designs, where every plant, every stone, every aspect serves a purpose. Sustainability and biodiversity are at the forefront of our efforts, ensuring that these spaces flourish with life.

Join us on this journey as we bring this vision to life, transforming gardens into living, breathing testaments to the wonders of California's landscapes.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we embark on this exciting adventure!

 
 

Landscape Language: What We’re Diggin’

Plants —

“Ugh. Anything native. Or, better yet, native and fragrant! California bay, chaparral currant, black sage, etc.” —Stephen

“Ceanothus megacarpus, Big Pod Ceanothus all in bloom all over those hills right now!” —Meagan

“Muhlenbergia rigens, Deergrass is such a hardy plant that makes it look so effortless with its petticoat-like form. Sun shining through it makes it glow like an earthly quasar.” —Mel

“Thalictrum fendleri, Meadow rue” —Eva

Materials —

“Mulch.” —Stephen

“Compressed Earth Blocks.” —Meagan

“Robinia pavers.” —Mel

“Cedar.” —Eva

 

Work with us

Designing a garden should feel invigorating

We know that the process of designing and executing a new landscape can feel overwhelming, and that’s why we’re here to help — every step of the way.  Take our online questionnaire and get started with us today. Alternatively, shoot us an email and tell us more about your project!

Stephen Blewett
Next

Field + Studio: Fall 2023