Simplicity, clean lines, interesting materials and innovation characterize modern landscapes. We like the plants and surfaces to have character and texture for a more "lived in" and informal look. Ideally, everything should be true to its own nature: concrete should look like concrete, not faux wood or stone. If stone is used, it should be the real thing, laid out in a way that compliments the overall design.

Everything should flow together, integrating the design into a unified concept instead of a collection of objects. This rule can be broken, as with a series of themed gardens or a surprise retreat nestled inside a larger space.

Sometimes the line between modern and contemporary landscape design blurs. I like to think of modern as something designed in the style of the fifties with an open floor plan, ample windows and clean lines that continue into the outdoor spaces. Contemporary landscape is perhaps less structured, drawing upon these ideals but not adhering to themso closely.

In the end, every design should respond to its owners needs and lifestyle, perhaps heavily influenced by the site's architecture, perhaps not so much.

We are landscape architects based in the Sacramento region who can create designs anywhere in California. We're not far from San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Marin or Napa. We've done work in the San Luis Obispo area and few projects around Los Angeles, too. Most of our work lives in California's Central Valley: Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Loomis, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Modesto, Elk Grove, Davis, West Sacramento, Auburn and El Dorado Hills.

We also worked in France and around the world, taking advantage of climates varying from tropical to temperate. One of our principals was involved in the redesign of Taman Suropati in Jakarta, Indoonesia. He also worked on the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Addis Abeba, and did design studies in Jordan, Sweden, France, Argentina, Mexico, Vietnam, Tunisia and China. The other designed parks and attractions in France and the United States.

You have a modern home, or perhaps are thinking of moving into one. An Eichler, Streng, Atomic Ranch or other mid-century modern jewel. Your landscape should be simple, clean, elegant - the same style that you fell in love with when you moved in.

This is, however, the 21st century, a time where water conservation and ecological impact should be considered. Luckily, modern design works very well with interesting, architectural plants with bold forms and interesting colors.

Simple spaces, interesting plants, and bold design all mesh to create wonderful living environments.