Review: Back Yard Vacations San Diego Landscape Experts

[Updated] One walks into the lush outdoor space surrounding the Habicht residence in North County as if entering a kind of paradise. Complete with exquisitely placed plantings surrounding a lagoon-style pool with a Glass Crete underwater surface striking the eye, Backyard Vacations has developed an astonishing array of visual pleasure on which to feast one’s eyes. "We left all the large trees situated on the side lot that has become the outdoor space you see here, and arranged other vegetation around it," says developer and designer, Justin Cummings.

Incorporating sustainable practices in water management, materials, and lighting, the 6,000 to 8,000 square feet of backyard garden space is energy-efficient and built to last decades, using the latest technology. Pool water is heated by solar panels mounted at the rear of the property and LED Kitchler lighting is amply positioned to profile plantings, trees, and social space to maximize effect while using energy efficient spiked lamps and tiki torches.

The pool is stunning with hand painted tiles in luxurious rich blues sporting irises and fronds edging the pool circumference, providing compelling contrast to the orange brick paths that surround it. Additionally, blue-blazed tiles provide accents on several step series to continue the theme throughout the area. Several natural gathering spots for socializing effectively provide comfortable outdoor living while offering panoramic views. In fact, the slope of the ground on which this resort-style, garden terrace rests is one of its captivating features.

At the back of the property sits a lovely outdoor fireplace at the highest and most prominent elevation, beckoning as a natural gathering destination. One can easily imagine a roaring fire on a chilly night, with smoke rising out of the blue-blazed chimney. Serving as a beautiful combination incorporating both old and new vegetation, along with stylistic adaptations like low side walls that outskirt the environs, the theme of preservation is consistent throughout. Indeed, even the wall’s blending of stucco punctuated with intermittent brick face in key spots, reinforces the impeccable attention to detail that is consistently reflected in Cumming’s design expertise.

"We are a ‘one-stop’ outdoor shop," says Cummings. "This was a dream project for me because we designed and implemented all aspects of it. When we take on a project, the ultimate goal is to create a beautiful space the client desires, but also one that will be easy to maintain and offers longevity," – all in an effort to fuse outdoor beauty with sustainable landscaping.

Backyard Vacations can customize an entire or partial outdoor living space. As a full-featured landscaping business, they design and build fire pits, outdoor kitchens, pools and spas, natural and living ponds, cabanas, edible gardens and fruit trees; they are experts in designing and installing efficient irrigation and drip systems as well. As a 15-year veteran in the residential landscape industry, with three years at the help of Backyard Vacations, Justin Cummings provides excellence in general contracting for the outdoors.  

Backyard Vacations

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