Featured Garden: Petaluma, California
Stonework, Putting Green & Mediterranean-Inspired Landscape
This featured garden in Petaluma, California was designed and installed to transform a challenging multi-level property into a functional, inviting outdoor environment. The completed landscape combines natural stone, recreation, outdoor living, and low-maintenance Mediterranean-style planting to create a garden that feels established and connected to its surroundings.
Natural Stone Staircases
One of the defining features of this property is a series of natural stone staircases that provide access to the upper levels of the garden. The stone steps were carefully integrated into the slope, creating comfortable transitions between different areas of the property while adding a strong natural element to the landscape.
Rather than treating the elevation changes as a limitation, the staircases became an important part of the overall design, encouraging movement and creating different perspectives throughout the garden.
Custom Backyard Putting Green
A large custom putting green serves as one of the main recreational features of the backyard. Designed to fit naturally within the surrounding landscape, the putting green provides plenty of space for practice while becoming an attractive feature in its own right.
The surrounding planting and hardscape help soften the edges of the green and connect it visually with the rest of the garden.
Flagstone Walkways & Pool Access
Natural flagstone walkways provide circulation through the property and complement the stone staircases and Mediterranean planting.
Flagstone was also incorporated near the swimming pool to create a dedicated area for accessing and jumping into the pool. Using natural stone in multiple areas of the landscape creates continuity while giving the garden a relaxed, timeless Sonoma County character.
Belgard Stone Retaining Wall
To help manage the property’s elevation changes, we constructed a Belgard stone retaining wall. The wall provides necessary structural support while creating defined planting areas and usable garden space.
The texture and color of the stone complement the natural flagstone and surrounding plant material, allowing an important functional element to become part of the overall landscape design.
Low-Maintenance Mediterranean Garden
Throughout the property, we installed a low-maintenance Mediterranean-style garden selected for Petaluma’s climate. The planting design emphasizes drought-tolerant and water-wise plants with varied foliage, texture, movement, and seasonal color.
The result is a garden that feels lush and inviting without requiring excessive water or maintenance. Planting areas help soften the stonework, frame the putting green, and create natural transitions between the different outdoor spaces.
Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting
The landscape takes on an entirely different character after sunset. A low-voltage landscape lighting system was installed throughout the garden to highlight stone staircases, pathways, retaining walls, specimen plants, and other important landscape features.
Strategically positioned lighting creates evening drama while also improving visibility and safety when moving between the different levels of the property. The combination of light and shadow gives the stonework and planting added depth and extends the enjoyment of the garden well into the evening.
Landscape Design & Installation in Petaluma, CA
This Petaluma landscape demonstrates how thoughtful design and quality construction can bring together recreation, outdoor living, challenging elevations, and low-maintenance planting within one cohesive garden.
From the custom putting green and natural stone staircases to flagstone walkways, Belgard retaining walls, Mediterranean planting, and low-voltage landscape lighting, every element was designed to work together and complement the property.
Moonlight Landscapes provides complete landscape design and installation in Petaluma and throughout Sonoma County, creating custom outdoor spaces from concept through construction.
