Desert Landscape Design
Daniel & Jim

desertlandscapedesign.com

Profile
Desert Landscape Design
Redefining the desert, one exterior at a time
By Mona de Crinis

The beauty of the desert lies in its subtle drama, muted tones punctuated by bursts of color. The rugged starkness of rock and sand so willingly seduced by the soft blush of a sunrise exemplifies the artistry of nature. To be able to capture this vision and recreate it at will in a structured environment is a gift few are blessed with. Those who are, those magicians of outdoor design, are called landscapers. And while there are many in the valley who claim the title, only a handful really own it.
Daniel Clemens and Jim Haggerty own it. Their company, Desert Landscape Design, has been serving the Coachella Valley and the high desert since 2000, working in both residential and commercial capacities. With an emphasis on resource conservation, they keep up on what’s new in irrigation and design through ongoing education and are certified by the EPA and the Center for Irrigation Technology at Cal State Fresno to perform landscape irrigation audits and irrigation management. Their stated goal is to “explore and expand different ideas to create a landscape that is both unique, interesting and usable” and to that end they have proven successful—time and time again.
In anticipation of the grand opening of their new design studio and garden (located at 388 N. Palm Canyon in Palm Springs) on Friday, February 12, we asked them about their landscape aesthetics, dos and don’ts, their philosophy of conservation, design tips and more.

genesis
They started their business in late 2000. “We actually met online in a chat room (yes it can work).” Daniel had just moved to Palm Springs from New York City and Jim was living in Los Angeles. “We decided to meet and there was an immediate physical attraction, which very quickly developed into a serious relationship. We are partners in life as well as in business.”

Individual strengths
Although they both collaborate intensely on the design and installation of all of their projects, Jim studied landscape design at UCLA and he is responsible for the artistic drawings. “He has the uncanny ability to walk onto any new project and immediately see the possibilities. After listening to the client’s needs, he can then translate the vision onto paper creating a full-sized scaled drawing for each of our clients to review and adapt.”
Daniel is a licensed landscape contractor and is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency as an Irrigation Auditor. He has been self-employed for most of his life and has an extensive knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a business.

economics
Desert Landscape Design has weathered the rough economy by continuing to provide the best customer service possible. Because they are a design/build company, they are hands-on throughout the entire landscape process. “We have a distinct design aesthetic and also understand the intricacies of construction. From concept to completion, we are onsite and accessible to our clients. We feel that this has given us a competitive edge in this economy.”
Budget should never hold someone back from contacting a landscape designer, they believe. “Oftentimes an attractive landscape can be achieved without spending a ton of money. Also, an experienced landscaper can actually save you money in the long-term.” If hiring a designer is just something you cannot do, they recommend scanning the local nurseries for sales that usually occur off season. “Old standbys like lantana and some grasses can add nice filler. Buy them small in order to save cash and they will fill in quickly. Plan out your irrigation system, use drip and maintain it.  Proper irrigation will save you money on your water bill, often offsetting some of the initial costs.”

Conservation
“In order to achieve our resource conservation goals we stay current on industry standards for water conservation by completing continuing education classes, partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency, and we keep up to date on the latest water saving products available. We also greatly limit the amount of pesticides we use and recycle plastic, plants and mulch.”

Conservation vs. ‘the tropics’
An alternative to a water intensive, tropical landscape design can be achieved by using Mediterranean plants that are drought tolerant but still give a lush look. “Although we don’t recommend tropical gardens in the desert, any landscape, even grass can be water conscious with the correct irrigation system.”

favorites
Some of their favorite plants are pedilanthus, salvias, blue yucca, agave parryi, Mexican blue palms and palo verde. “Because the plant palette is somewhat limited in the Coachella Valley, structure and placement can matter more than variety.”

fire or water
If they had to choose between fire and water they would choose water. “Although fire pits can be a distinctive landscape component, in our experience, most people do not get the same use out of a fire pit as they do with a fountain. Fountains can be enjoyed year-round and the overall mystique of water in the desert helps to create a calm and cooling environment.”

process
Their landscape design process begins, like any other creative endeavor, with a concept. Every site is unique and full of potential. “It is our job to fine-tune the wants and needs of our client while offering our experience and design aesthetic in an effort to create something beautiful.” The concept is then translated onto paper, forming a visual tool from which to make changes. The drawing is approved and construction begins. “Because we are also licensed contractors, we are involved in every aspect of the build process. We enjoy getting our hands dirty, working directly with the plants and participating in the labor. Upon completion we stand behind our work and monitor each job for several weeks.”

landscaping 101
Limit the variety of plants in order to keep a cohesive design. Plan on growth. Small plants installed too closely together can grow into a jumbled disaster. Make use of negative space and unless you are trying to achieve a high modern look, plant in groups as opposed to every three feet.

Trends
“In our opinion, water conservation continues to be the primary trend in landscape design. Unfortunately, our industry is at the top of the list when it comes to water waste. Luckily, water in the desert is still relatively inexpensive but this can and will change dramatically. We feel it is essential for landscape professionals to help mitigate the loss of this precious resource. From a design perspective, less is more. Especially in the desert, many of our clients are now beginning to see the beauty and practicality of a natural landscape. Desert design with its striking beauty and conservative impact works seamlessly in our environment and has even spread to the coastal areas and beyond.”

Desert Landscape Design is located at 370 W. San Rafael Drive, Unit 3, Palm Springs. 760.285.0773; Fax: 888.498.8502; desertlandscapedesign.com

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