Neighborhood
Quick turnaround; tight budget; an existing palette of resilient natives; and nothing that might create a safety hazard for early morning patrons rushing to get their caffeine fix — we were excited!
Building upon a landscape of grasses, yarrow, and agave, we leaned on a mix of California natives and other drought tolerant gems to create a community gathering space that invites you in and makes you want to stay awhile. Two western sycamores flanking the eastern side of the coffee shop serve as guardians of the space, with Muhlenbergia dubia, coyote brush, and salvia bee’s bliss cheering both trees on. Prickly pear cactus also helped bring structure and focal points to the garden. We quickly agreed their charming flat, branching pads made these beautiful native specimens more greeters of the space than protectors (we used the spineless kind for a reason). Custom-made corten steel planters frame the seating area, and we worked with no-fuss mediterranean plants of varying shapes, heights, and textures to bring the space to life — westringia, bay laurel, and blue fescue. Originally, yucca blue sentry was also in the mix, but far too true to its name its long spiky leaves did little to welcome people in. We thanked them for their service, returned them to the growing grounds, and made a quick trip to a local nursery for a few more poofs of blue fescue. We then framed the very front with an intentionally disorderly lineup of Bouteloua ‘blonde ambition’. Last — a bunch of California gold DG and touches of del rio gravel to pull it all together and make it easy for patrons to navigate through the planting areas. Support local and stop by the newest location of Neighborhood Coffee on 3rd street to check it out!
Thank you to Matthew, Darin, and the whole Neighborhood team for the opportunity to play a small part in their vision for the new shop, and much, much love to David for all the support and trust always.
And, of course a great big thank you to Jorge, Darwin, Antonio, Miguel, and Alexi at Roldan Brothers Landscaping — your hard work and speed made the quick turnaround possible.
