Interview with founder Paul DeMartini

Q: When did you found landscape design company Classic Gardens and why?

Landscape design company Classic Gardens began in 1985. Our objective was to create a full service landscape design company which specialized in residential landscapes and placed a strong emphasis on original design and customer service.

Q: What guides you when a client presents you with a landscape project, do you apply some formula or template to each job?

The most formative elements in garden landscape design are the needs, priorities and style of the client. This is what informs the program and directs the final outcome of residential landscapes. The success of a garden landscape design is found in its usefulness and its enhancement of the client's lifestyle.

Q: What is unique about Classic Gardens' residential landscapes and your approach to landscape architecture as opposed to other local landscape contractors?

The pursuit of creativity and innovation; whether it is the type of materials we use or the transformation of an unattractive, unusable space into a place of beauty and utility.

Q: What role does the client play in the garden landscape design process and how does that affect your design philosophy?

As mentioned earlier, the client plays the central role and the ultimate goal is to create a garden, garden structures and hardscape design which serves the needs of the client and at the same time provide enjoyable surroundings.

Q: Why are you drawn to landscape architectural design?

A love of nature and the opportunity to share it with others. The other component of landscape architectural design is a love of creativity and aesthetics. I have no envy for a sculptor or a painter given the incredible canvas and materials I have to work with when creating landscape architectural design.

Q: Are there early influences that have shaped your design philosophy?

Thomas Church was a pioneering designer who developed a modern classicism. His gardens have a wonderful clarity of line and form while at the same time serving the practical needs of his clients.

Speaking of line and form, one can not help but appreciate the innovation and originality of Frank Lloyd Wright. Although his specialty was architecture, he has much to teach the landscape designer about landscape architectural design, hardscape design, garden structures and the way in which form, patterns, and design motifs can add flavor and entertain the eye.

Although his organic style was a counterpoint to Wright's since there probably is not a straight line in any of his work, Antonio Gaudi shared Wright's spirit of originality. Here again is an individual who trusted his inner light and created some of the most original work. His work is a great tutorial in the use of color and curving forms.

Q: Please tell us something about your softscape or horticulture knowledge and what role that plays in your residential landscapes?

It plays a vital role since the success of a garden landscape design hinges on knowing the right plant for a given location. Part of the pleasure of a garden is seeing the softscape/plantings grow and develop character over time. I have been acquainting myself with plants and their needs for over 25 years.

Q: What aesthetic role does softscape/plants play in your designs?

Our climate affords the opportunity to become work with a broad spectrum of plant materials. Tropical plants, cactus and succulents, Mediterranean landscaping, California natives, and grasses are among the plants found in our plant palette. The term palette is significant since each plant is like a brushstroke, giving its special color and form to the composition. A well designed softscape composition should captivate the viewer's eye with the interplay of color, form and texture.

Q: Are there any gardens, garden structures or hardscape design that you particularly enjoy?

Among the local gardens (both found in Balboa Park ): The Alcazar garden is a delightful Spanish/Moorish garden revival and the Cactus and Succulent garden has some striking specimens, illustrating the amazing sculptural qualities of the cactus family. Up in the Pasadena area the Huntington Gardens offers magnificent display of plantings. An outstanding example of a contemporary garden, garden structures and hardscape design is the recently completed gardens at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Q: What do you look for in your clients?

Individuals who have great expectations for their gardens. In addition, the also need to have a sense of adventure and a willingness to embark on a collaborative journey.

Q: Finally, what would you say to someone considering a landscape design project?

A well designed garden will add value to your home by expanding and enhancing your living space while surrounding you with natural beauty. A person is only limited by their imagination and their willingness to dream.