For the Art of It

Q & A with garden designers Chris and Lisa Cullen

For nearly 50 years, Montecito Landscape owners, Chris and Lisa Cullen, have been designing and building breathtaking gardens of all shapes and sizes. From large commercial projects to small, intimate tea gardens, secret paseos and dramatic stonework with water features. They take pride in transforming landscapes that are overgrown and have been neglected into true works of art that are both kind to the environment and drought tolerant, which is very important when complying with the latest water restrictions in Santa Barbara. In one case, after clearing some dead trees, overgrown brush and an old shed, the clients discovered they had both a mountain and ocean views! Food + Home found a few moments in their hectic schedule to sit down and reflect on their history of garden design and share a few of their favorite projects.

Q: F+H: How did you get your start designing beautiful gardens?

A: Chris: I started Montecito Landscape in 1970, when I first got my contractor’s license but have been doing this my entire life. When I was nine my dad drew a sketch of what our landscape could become and that was all it took, I was hooked. After that I did gardening and landscaping projects after school. Getting a degree at Saratoga Horticultural College was the next step and the rest is history.

Lisa: My mother was a singer, artist and landscape designer, so you could say it began in the womb. But seriously, as a lifelong gardener and professional artist, the transition to landscape design was a natural progression. We’ve worked for many, many lovely people and each time there’s something new. We’re always learning.

Q: F+H: What’s your design philosophy?

A: Chris: I blend art and construction in a way that looks effortless. The earth is my canvas, so I design right there, on the spot, walking the property and envisioning the possibilities, I look for the best features and invent ways to use them to their best advantage. Sometimes we need to sketch it out, but the real designing is done “on the ground.”

A: Lisa: My design philosophy is about creating something for every one of the senses. I imagine spaces that will bring wonder and delight and will be lived in. Landscaping is for people. I love working with all kinds; those who entertain, who have dogs, kids, and grandkids, or those who want solitude and quiet. I think gardens should be experienced; they should be admired, tasted, touched and smelled, run through, played in, and rested in. Gardens should elicit an emotional response, whether it be excitement, joy, or serenity.

Q: F+H-- If you had a signature look, what would that be?

A: Chris: I like landscapes that look as if they’d always been there. My signature look is one that has a consistent theme that is in harmony with the location and the design of the home and feels like it belongs.

A: Lisa: I love the challenge of tailoring the design to each client. They’re the ones who will be living in this new garden and I want the experience to be life-changing. Every person has a unique perspective and sense of aesthetics, so for me the fun is tuning into that and creating something special just for them. Because of this, each project is distinct and unlike any other. I bring dreams to life.

Q: F+H: Any final words?

A: Chris and Lisa: Our reward is someone telling us how their new landscape has improved their quality of life. We hear this every day. Crafting aesthetic environments changes people’s moods, it lifts the spirit and that is why we do what we do.

Gardens are living organisms and as a result are constantly changing. This constantly changing aspect is challenging but is also what makes them exciting as an artistic medium. With a beautiful garden, there’s always something to look forward to: the bursts of vivid green after winter’s rain, the first explosion of color in spring, the scent of lavender and sage wafting through the warm air of summer, the sound of bees going about their important duties, the taste of that long-awaited fruit from your own garden. Gardens are meant for living and for filling with your own brand of joy. Splurge on it!

Montecito Landscape www.montecitolandscape.com