Unique gardens which have been placed delicately and strategically in and among the grounds to take advantage of different micro-climates to promote a variety of flora and fauna.

On the central acreage of the combined property there is a mature Cypress forest with trees averaging over 85 years of age. The forest floor is laden with over 20 unique succulent species that can thrive and grow and flower despite the challenges of a shadowed forest and the succulents add texture and color that complements the moss rocks that have been placed in and among the forest floors and the eerily beautiful Cypress trees. The pathways that guide one through the forest and around the property are intentional organic, reminiscent of a refined Park trail, and include large pieces of floating flagstone to address elevation changes and they are thoughtfully under lit at night to guide the way.

As one approaches the far southern quarter of the combined properties, they will note that the forest begins to diminish and the canopy above thins out allowing the sun to assist numerous flowering coastal plants that thrive in the Highlands environment. The southern gardens also have a soothing manicured topology and drought resistant grasses complement long bladed fescue’s that survive and thrive on the coastal edge and add texture reminiscent of the Genista … the gorses, and heathers or the soft textured and penalizing roughs of a Scottish golf course. The courtyard which is an integral part of the south cottage is full of flowering Bougainvillea and a tender blanket of ground covers made up primarily of baby tears, Irish moss, Elfin and other varieties of Thyme.

Just east of the courtyard in the areas protected by wind and salt spray, there is great success with a variety of junipers that include Cedrus atlantica … (the Atlas cedar), dwarf Blue Spruce, Blue Ice Cypress, Norfolk Pine, and other unique species.

All of the distinct gardens are also complemented by thriving native species many of which flower at different times of the year, (such as Ceanothus, Hebe’s, Sage, and three different varieties of Lavender …), so that there is an ever-present dash of color being exhibited in the otherwise seasonal gardens.