How to Design the Perfect Landscaping for Your Palos Verdes Home

If you live in Palos Verdes, you know how special our landscape is. The rolling hills, coastal views, and Mediterranean climate give homeowners the perfect canvas for a beautiful outdoor space. But designing a yard here takes more than just good taste—it takes strategy, the right materials, and a deep understanding of the local environment.

That’s why working with a local Palos Verdes landscaper is such a smart move. We get the climate, the soil, and the style that suits our community. We’ll design a layout that fits your space and style perfectly — making sure water flows well and your plants and features thrive.

Whether you're updating your curb appeal or reimagining your entire outdoor space, here are smart ideas and tips to help you start your Palos Verdes landscape design on the right foot.

1. Think About Function First

What do you want to use your yard for? Whether it’s outdoor dining, relaxing in the shade, playing with kids, or gardening — design starts with function. Once you know how you want to use the space, you can break your yard into “zones” and plan around them.

Popular zones to include:

• A shaded seating or lounge area

• Drought-tolerant garden beds

• A play space or open lawn

• Walkways and pathways that flow between zones

• Privacy features like hedges or fencing

2. Choose Plants That Thrive Here

Palos Verdes has a coastal Mediterranean climate — meaning dry summers, occasional fog, and salty air. A big part of smart landscaping in Palos Verdes is choosing plants that love this environment.

Great picks for local gardens:

• California natives like toyon, ceanothus, and manzanita

• Pollinator-friendly flowers like milkweed, yarrow, and sage

• Ornamental grasses and succulents

• Drought-tolerant trees like olive, strawberry tree, or crape myrtle

These plants don’t just survive — they thrive with little maintenance and lower water bills.

3. Use Hardscape to Add Structure and Style

Hardscape refers to the non-plant elements in your yard — like pavers, gravel, retaining walls, and seating areas. When done right, it adds style and makes your yard easier to use.

Hardscape ideas to elevate your yard:

• Stone or decomposed granite pathways

• A modern concrete patio or fire pit

• Natural boulders for slope control or aesthetics

• Raised garden beds framed with wood or stone

• Gravel or bark mulch areas for low-maintenance ground cover

Designing a balanced mix of greenery and structure is what takes a yard from nice to stunning.

4. Make It Low-Maintenance and Water-Wise

Water conservation matters in California, and the good news is: low-water doesn’t mean low-beauty.

Ways to make your landscape easier to manage:

• Install a smart irrigation system

• Use mulch to reduce evaporation

• Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning)

• Swap your lawn for synthetic turf or native grass alternatives

• Choose perennials that come back year after year

As a local landscaping company in Palos Verdes, we specialize in creating sustainable designs that look amazing without requiring tons of upkeep.

5. Focus on Curb Appeal

Even a few simple changes in the front yard can make your whole home feel upgraded. Whether you’re looking to boost property value or just love coming home to something beautiful, landscaping is a great investment.

Small upgrades that make a big difference:

• Clean borders and edges around plant beds

• A statement tree or accent shrub near the entrance

• Up-lighting to highlight paths or trees

• Replacing worn turf with native ground cover

• A new walkway or paver entry

Designing your outdoor space in Palos Verdes can be exciting — especially when it’s done with your lifestyle, our local environment, and long-term care in mind. At Jonakee Landscaping, we’ve helped countless homeowners in the area turn their yards into functional, beautiful spaces they love spending time in.

If you’re looking for expert landscape design in Palos Verdes, let’s talk. From concept to completion, we’re here to bring your vision to life — while making sure it fits your yard, your budget, and the coastal beauty that makes our community so unique.