Throughout, we planted similar types of plants together to give an even-handed consistency to the landscape. An acre-and-a-half pond was created within the natural folds of the native landscape at a meeting place for drainage swales, in order to minimize the amount of grading. To filter the water, the pond is planted with aquatic plants that are self-sustaining. Planted steps lead down to a dock at the pond. The surrounding area is planted in Mediterranean materials that can survive the heat, cold, and wind.