Mt. Veeder Residence

Aug 26, 2024

Mt. Veeder Residence

Design, Build, Maintain | 2023

Vegetable Gardens

Design: Penning Landscapes

Construction: Penning Landscapes

Photography: JP Morrissey

The Mt. Veeder residence was a wonderful challenge as we were tasked to evolve the outdoor space, initially designed for a young family to a sophisticated retreat for multiple generations. We worked closely with the client to create a landscape that balanced the 90-degree angles of the modern house with the natural terrain of the surrounding Napa Valley hills.

Our design features a low-water garden with drought-resistant Mediterranean and Californian native plants that is appropriate for this environment. Custom outdoor lighting and steel accents enhance the modern aesthetic of the home, while succulents nestled between boulders add texture and interest. To solve a complicated elevation change around the pool, we designed a terraced retaining wall that maximizes usable planting space and ensures safety.

Per our client’s request to expand their gardens, we designed and built an intricate maze of custom flower boxes with vegetables, fruits, trees and flowers housed in a wildlife protected fence. By handling all three - design, construction, and maintenance in-house - we are able to ensure that the residence continues to thrive as a versatile and inviting space for the entire family.

Lush vegetable garden at Galleron residence featuring custom flower boxes, sunflowers, and a wildlife-protected fence, surrounded by drought-resistant plants and scenic hills in the background.

Lavender plants lining a gravel pathway with stone borders and surrounding greenery in a drought-resistant garden design at the Galleron residence.

Modern pool surrounded by drought-resistant landscaping, featuring terraced retaining walls, lush greenery, and outdoor seating at the Galleron residence.

Low-water garden featuring drought-resistant plants, decorative boulders, and a gravel pathway, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the Galleron residence landscape design.

Terraced retaining wall with wooden steps leading to a lawn area, surrounded by drought-resistant plants and custom outdoor lighting at the Galleron residence.

Terraced steel steps leading through a drought-resistant garden featuring succulents and ornamental grasses, enhancing the modern landscape design at the Galleron residence.

Low-water garden featuring drought-resistant plants, terraced retaining wall with boulders, and custom outdoor lighting at Galleron Residence.

Low-water garden featuring drought-resistant plants and boulders, with a modern home in the background, showcasing terraced landscaping and natural textures.

Succulents nestled between boulders and gravel pathways, surrounded by ornamental grasses in a low-water garden design.

Terraced pathway with rusted steel steps, surrounded by drought-resistant plants, including lavender and succulents, integrated with natural boulders in a low-water garden design.

"Custom outdoor lighting and steel accents enhance the modern aesthetic of the home, while succulents nestled between boulders add texture and interest. To solve a complicated elevation change around the pool, we designed a terraced retaining wall that maximizes usable planting space and ensures safety."

Galleron Residence

Aug 26, 2024

Galleron Residence

Build, Maintain | 2001

Vegetable Gardens

Design: GL Richmond

Construction: Penning Landscapes

Photography: JP Morrissey

The landscape and lush vegetable garden at the Galleron residence has been in our care for more than twenty years. After installing the original landscape in 2001, this long-standing relationship has allowed us to match the vision of the first owner and to evolve the vibrant landscape to the wishes of the second owners.

The new owners desired an extensive vegetable garden as they are avid cooks. We delivered a sprawling and artistically laid out garden that yields a rotating crop of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the year. The vegetable garden is centered around an impressive 8-foot tall willow archway.
A signature look of this property consists of five large, mature olive trees in the front yard, which were part of the initial installation. This is a trend that has since become a standard practice in Napa Valley. In order to continue evolving the new owner’s vision for the property, we are collaborating to design, install, and maintain the landscape around the guest house, where we seamlessly blend old and new elements.

Willow archway surrounded by vibrant vegetable garden featuring sunflowers, herbs, and colorful flowers, reflecting the culinary interests of the new owners at the Galleron Residence.

Garden gate leading into a lush vegetable garden, framed by flowering plants and greenery, with an inviting view of a well-maintained landscape.

Vegetable garden featuring lush greenery, colorful flowers, and a central ceramic pot, framed by willow archway, with a rustic wooden gate in the background, emphasizing the landscape design for avid cooks at the Galleron Residence.

Sprawling vegetable garden featuring lush tomato plants, vibrant herbs, and colorful flowers, framed by an 8-foot tall willow archway, highlighting the culinary aspirations of the new owners at the Galleron Residence.

Willow archway in a vegetable garden, surrounded by lush greenery and fruiting plants, emphasizing the artistic layout for avid cooks.

Hand reaching for ripe tomatoes in a thriving vegetable garden, showcasing fresh produce amidst lush green foliage, reflecting the owners' passion for cooking and gardening.

Vegetable garden featuring an 8-foot tall willow archway, lush greenery with climbing plants, and vibrant flowers, highlighting the design by Penning Landscapes for avid cooks at the Galleron Residence.

Vegetable garden featuring lush greenery, an 8-foot willow archway, and an earthen pot, designed for avid cooks, surrounded by vibrant flowers and pathways.

"The new owners desired an extensive vegetable garden as they are avid cooks. We delivered a sprawling and artistically laid out garden that yields a rotating crop of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the year. "

St. Helena Residence

Aug 26, 2024

St. Helena Residence

2023 | Build, Maintain

Vegetable Gardens

Design: Jonathan Plant

Enhancements: Penning Landscapes

Photography: JP Morrissey

This St. Helena residence was an exciting enhancement from a regular backyard into a hidden oasis, based on our clients’ vision. They desired a “secret garden” that was drought resistant and included a large vegetable garden that could produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

We delivered a unique and cohesive backyard that has something new to discover around every corner. The backyard features a “rock river” that solves drainage issues and ensures the garden thrives year-round. Designed with drought-resistant plants native to California, the landscaping incorporates numerous succulents to create a lush, low-water environment. The centerpiece of the backyard is the prized vegetable area, featuring custom vegetable boxes.

We continue to work closely with the client to find new ways to update the space by filling bare spots, adding vibrant color hues, and rotating the crops. By maintaining this collaborative partnership, we have crafted a dynamic and ever-evolving secret garden that continues to delight the clients and their guests.

Lush backyard landscape featuring drought-resistant succulents and palm trees, designed for low-water maintenance, with a cozy seating area visible in the background.

Marble bench surrounded by lush greenery and drought-resistant plants in a tranquil backyard setting designed by Penning Landscapes.

Lush backyard landscape featuring drought-resistant plants, succulents, and a gravel pathway, designed for a low-water environment at Quail Camp Residence.

Lush backyard garden featuring drought-resistant plants and succulents, with a gravel pathway, vibrant greenery, and mature trees, designed for low-water maintenance.

Lush backyard landscape featuring drought-resistant succulents, a rock river for drainage, and a cozy seating area under a wooden pergola, designed for sustainable gardening at Quail Camp Residence.

Drought-resistant succulent garden featuring various cacti and native plants, designed for low-water landscaping at Quail Camp Residence.

Lush vegetable garden featuring custom wooden boxes, tall sunflowers, and vibrant flowers, designed for drought resistance and year-round growth, within a serene backyard setting.

Flowering tree with white blossoms in a drought-resistant garden, framed by natural stone pillars, highlighting California native landscaping elements.

"Designed with drought-resistant plants native to California, the landscaping incorporates numerous succulents to create a lush, low-water environment. The centerpiece of the backyard is the prized vegetable area, featuring custom vegetable boxes."

Glen Ellen Residence

Aug 26, 2024

Glen Ellen Residence

Build, Maintain | 2021

Vegetable Gardens

Design: Penny Magrane

Construction: Penning Landscapes

Photography: Adam Potts

In 2021, we undertook the construction of this Glen Ellen residence, a sprawling estate designed as a luxurious haven for family and friends. The residence boasts a diverse array of amenities, including a vegetable garden, outdoor spa area, croquet and volleyball courts, expansive lawn, outdoor fireplace, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Each bedroom is complemented by its own private courtyard, offering guests a secluded retreat within the estate.

Privacy was a primary concern for the client, which we addressed by incorporating mature shrubs and 100+ year-old olive trees to establish a stunning living boundary around the property. This natural screening not only enhances the estate’s seclusion but also adds timeless beauty.

Secluded outdoor seating area with two light-colored Adirondack chairs and a small table, surrounded by lush, flowering plants and mature trees, emphasizing privacy and tranquility in a luxurious garden setting.

Bocce court in Glen Ellen residence with outdoor kitchen, vegetable garden, and expansive lawn surrounded by mature trees and shrubs.

Modern Glen Ellen residence with expansive lawn, surrounded by mature shrubs and greenery, showcasing outdoor living spaces and privacy features.

Glen Ellen residence featuring tiered landscaping with mature shrubs and olive trees, expansive lawn, outdoor seating area, and lush gardens emphasizing privacy and natural beauty.

Glen Ellen residence featuring mature shrubs and olive trees, enhancing privacy and beauty in the landscaped garden.

Terraced plantings featuring a mix of colorful shrubs and grasses, designed for privacy and aesthetic appeal in a luxurious residential landscape.

Vegetable garden featuring raised metal planters filled with diverse herbs and vegetables, surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees, enhancing the luxurious outdoor space of the Glen Ellen residence.

Steps leading down to a landscaped garden featuring white and pink roses, with a volleyball net and lush greenery in the background, illustrating the outdoor amenities of a Glen Ellen residence designed for privacy and relaxation.

Glen Ellen residence featuring a luxurious outdoor pool, lounge chairs, and landscaped greenery, showcasing amenities for relaxation and privacy.

Secluded patio area featuring a black lounge chair surrounded by lush greenery and mature shrubs, emphasizing privacy in a luxurious residential landscape design.

"Privacy was a primary concern for the client, which we addressed by incorporating mature shrubs and 100+ year-old olive trees to establish a stunning living boundary around the property."

Vegetable Gardens

Aug 26, 2024

Vegetable Gardens

Gardener: Gemme Vonknopka

We strive to provide beautiful, yet functional vegetable gardens. We use organic gardening methods, soil amendments and fertilizers, while also focusing on plants that harmonize with local insects and wildlife. Our vegetable gardens often include a healthy balance of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Including flowers in a garden can help improve soil health and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Our vegetable garden services include design, preparation, installation, and maintenance. We can work with you to design a custom garden that complements your unique outdoor space. Additionally, we can teach you how to harvest and identify your fruits and vegetables or we can do that for you.

Our vegetable gardens have won multiple awards, including First Place in 2022 for CLCA’s Sustainable Installation Award and Gardenista’s 2018 Best Edible Garden Award.