Pro Spotlight: Create a Fun, Drought-Friendly Backyard

Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

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Who: Jeff Sheehan of Confidence Landscaping
Where: Campbell, California
In his own words: “Removing lawn creates the opportunity for a new garden or feature. By using less water, you can help to improve the environment and reduce your water bill.”

To conserve water and meet watering restrictions in drought-stricken California, many homeowners are replacing their lawns with drought-tolerant plants. Jeff Sheehan, who owns Confidence Landscaping in Campbell, designs landscapes that use less water and allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces more.

Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

A lifelong passion. From the time he was 5 years old, Sheehan has had an affinity for working in the garden. “I started mowing lawns and pruning roses throughout my neighborhood, and I’ve worked in landscaping ever since,” he says. “I love waking up to the challenges of the coming day, and creating something new and unique for our clients.”

Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

A dramatic transformation. “Taking a client’s vision, developing a design and then building that vision into a reality is what’s so great about this work,” Sheehan says. “My role is to inspire and implement our clients’ ideas so that the transformation is dramatic and functional, and every time they walk outside, their yard puts a smile on their face.”

Consider Sheehan’s tips below to reduce your water usage and enjoy your backyard more.

Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

1. Lose Your Lawn

Removing grass from your yard can reduce water consumption and make way for new features that’ll let you enjoy your outdoor space even more, such as a vegetable garden or a lap pool. “If you aren’t using your lawn for recreational purposes, take it out and create a space you’ll want to spend time in,” Sheehan recommends. Afterward, remember to water any new plants as needed and monitor the system’s water consumption.

This backyard in Saratoga originally had 3,500 square feet of lawn. “We removed the turf and created gentle earth-toned pathways, and added low-water plants and a bird-and-butterfly sanctuary,” Sheehan says. “We also created water cascades into the pool to minimize freeway noise.” Plantings with low water requirements coupled with an efficient irrigation system have dramatically changed the space’s water consumption.

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Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

2. Mirror the Style of Your Home

Creating a garden that’s consistent with the look and feel of your home improves curb appeal and ties the property together, Sheehan says. For example, “if your home’s architecture leans toward modern, you’ll want to select a landscape design direction that mirrors that style.”

This newly built Spanish-Mediterranean-style home is located in the Rose Garden area of San Jose. “We replicated the interior tiles for the exterior paving areas to provide a seamlessness from one area to the other,” Sheehan says. “We also continued the theme with plantings emblematic of the Mediterranean region.”

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Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

3. Plan for the Future

Home improvement projects are an investment. “Careful planning and proper installation of a landscape can ensure that your project will stand the test of time and improve as it matures through the years,” Sheehan says. “Select plants that will grow well in your area over the years.”

This garden in San Jose’s Almaden Valley was planted five years before the photo was taken. “We included proper space to allow the plants to mature and to fulfill their own inherent beauty,” Sheehan says. “The plantings require minimal maintenance and water.”

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More: For more information on Jeff Sheehan and examples of his work, visit Confidence Landscaping’s Houzz profile.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.