03 / 06
Planting, Softscape & Water Features
Natural elements that bring your landscape to life.
Overview
Planting design is where a landscape truly comes alive. At Tong Design Associates, we approach every planting plan as a living composition — layering trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers to create seasonal interest, privacy, shade, and a sense of place that deepens over time. Our plant palettes are rooted in the ecology of Southern California. We specify native plants and drought-tolerant species that thrive in our Mediterranean climate without excessive irrigation or maintenance. Manzanita, California buckwheat, salvia, and native bunch grasses form the backbone of many of our designs, supplemented by regionally adapted Mediterranean and subtropical species that add texture and color. Water features bring a sensory dimension that planting alone cannot achieve. The sound of moving water transforms a garden from a visual composition into an immersive experience. We design architectural fountains, rain curtains, naturalistic streams, cascading waterfalls, and reflective pools — each one scaled and positioned to complement the surrounding landscape. Our irrigation designs pair smart, weather-based controllers with drip and low-flow systems that deliver water precisely where and when plants need it. Hydrozoning groups plants by water requirements, reducing waste and promoting healthier root systems. Every planting plan includes a detailed plant schedule with species, sizes, spacing, and installation notes, ensuring that the contractor can execute the design with precision. From specimen trees that anchor a courtyard to meadow-like groundcover sweeps that replace traditional turf, our planting designs create landscapes that are as ecologically responsible as they are beautiful.
What This Includes
Every component of our planting, softscape & water features offering, detailed.
Planting Design & Installation
Thoughtful planting plans that create layered, seasonal beauty.
Trees, Shrubs & Groundcover
Specimen trees, privacy hedging, and curated plant palettes.
Native & Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
Water-wise designs that thrive in Southern California's climate.
Fountains & Water Features
Decorative fountains, rain curtains, and architectural water elements.
Streams, Cascades & Waterfalls
Natural water features that bring movement and sound to your garden.
Irrigation & Smart Watering
Weather-based smart irrigation systems for efficient water management.
Featured Projects
See this service in action across our portfolio.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of plants do you recommend for Southern California landscapes?
We emphasize native and drought-tolerant species that are adapted to our Mediterranean climate. California natives like manzanita, ceanothus, salvia, and native bunch grasses form the foundation, supplemented by regionally adapted species such as olive trees, lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses. Plant selection is tailored to each site's specific microclimates, soil conditions, and sun exposure.
How do you design water features that conserve water?
Our water features are designed as recirculating systems, meaning the same water is continuously pumped and reused. We specify auto-fill valves to compensate for evaporation and use appropriately sized pumps to minimize energy consumption. Naturalistic features can also incorporate rain garden principles to capture and filter stormwater runoff.
Will my new landscape require a lot of maintenance?
We design with long-term maintenance in mind. Drought-tolerant and native plants require significantly less water, pruning, and fertilization than traditional landscapes. We provide a maintenance guide with every project, outlining seasonal care requirements. Most of our landscapes reach a self-sustaining maturity within two to three growing seasons.
Can you convert my existing lawn to a drought-tolerant landscape?
Yes, lawn-to-garden conversions are one of our most popular services. We design beautiful, water-efficient alternatives to traditional turf using native plantings, decomposed granite pathways, and strategic areas of synthetic or native lawn. Many local water agencies offer rebates for turf removal, and we can advise on available programs in your area.
Do you provide planting installation or just the design?
We provide the complete planting design with detailed plans and specifications. Installation is performed by our trusted construction partners, and we oversee the process to ensure plants are installed at the correct spacing, depth, and orientation as specified in our drawings.
Related Services
Explore complementary services that work together with this offering.
Ready to Begin?
Let Us Transform Your Outdoor Space
Start with a consultation to explore your property's potential and discover what's possible with thoughtful, design-led landscape architecture.
Schedule a Consultation