Scripps Ranch, CA
"It wasn't until we hosted our daughter's birthday that we truly realized what Greenway had created. Our backyard had become more than a beautiful space—it had become the heart of our home!" - Vijay & Kanthi Kollengode
What began as an aging, disconnected backyard became an opportunity to completely reimagine how Vijay and Kanthi experienced their home. Working closely with Greenway Landscape Design & Build, the family transformed underutilized spaces into a seamless outdoor living environment where children can play, friends can gather, and multiple generations can create lasting memories together.
Today, every corner of the landscape serves a purpose—from the tranquil Zen garden and tropical pondless waterfall to the expansive covered patio, hidden outdoor audio system, and beautifully connected entertainment spaces.
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How Greenway Partnered with The Kollengode Family
Consultant Comments
Transforming the Kollengode Residence required much more than replacing aging landscaping—it meant completely rethinking how the family would experience their outdoor space. Every area was intentionally designed to serve a purpose while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the property. From the expansive covered patio and outdoor dining areas to the peaceful Zen-inspired garden and custom pondless water feature, each destination invites a different experience while remaining beautifully connected.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was balancing elegance with everyday functionality. Mature trees that had outgrown the property were removed to reclaim usable space, while Belgard pavers, artificial turf, decorative gravel, and layered tropical-inspired planting created distinct outdoor "rooms" without disrupting the overall design. The hidden outdoor audio system, integrated landscape lighting, and lush planting palette complete an environment that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Key Design Considerations
During our initial consultations, we worked closely with Vijay and Kanthi to understand their priorities:
- Multi-Generational Outdoor Living: Create spaces where children, parents, grandparents, and guests could comfortably enjoy the backyard together.
- Covered Entertainment Area: Design a spacious patio with integrated lighting and ceiling fans for year-round entertaining.
- Custom Outdoor Audio: Seamlessly integrate a professional outdoor sound system into the landscape for family gatherings and celebrations.
- Tropical-Inspired Landscape: Blend lush, rainforest-style planting with drought-tolerant species to create a vibrant, water-conscious environment.
- Safe Family Recreation: Replace unusable areas with durable artificial turf for children and everyday family activities.
- Signature Water Feature: Design a custom pondless water feature that provides movement and soothing sound while remaining family-friendly.
- Connected Outdoor Rooms: Use Belgard pavers, decorative gravel, and planting to create unique spaces that naturally flow together.
- Evening Ambiance: Install professional landscape lighting to extend the enjoyment of the backyard well into the evening.
Through thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and close collaboration with Vijay and Kanthi, Greenway transformed an underutilized backyard into a vibrant outdoor living environment designed for every stage of family life. From the hidden outdoor audio system and tranquil Zen garden to the custom pondless water feature, tropical-inspired planting, and beautifully connected gathering spaces, every detail was intentionally crafted to enhance the way the family lives, entertains, and creates memories together. The Kollengode Residence is a perfect example of how exceptional landscape design can become more than an investment in a home—it can become the heart of family life for years to come.
Client Wishlist
From the very beginning, Vijay and Kanthi envisioned more than a backyard renovation—they wanted an outdoor environment where family and friends could naturally come together. Their goal was to create a landscape that balanced everyday functionality with beautiful spaces for entertaining, while incorporating meaningful design elements that reflected their lifestyle, cultural heritage, and love of spending time outdoors. Every design decision was centered around creating a backyard that would serve as a true extension of their home for years to come.
Their wish list included:
- Family-Centered Outdoor Living: Create inviting spaces where multiple generations could gather, relax, and celebrate together.
- Covered Entertainment Pavilion: Design a spacious patio with integrated lighting and ceiling fans for comfortable year-round entertaining.
- Custom Outdoor Audio System: Seamlessly integrate hidden landscape speakers to provide exceptional sound throughout the backyard.
- Tropical-Inspired Landscape: Create a lush, rainforest-inspired environment using carefully selected water-wise plants that thrive in San Diego's climate.
- Artificial Turf Recreation Area: Provide a durable, low-maintenance lawn for children, pets, and everyday family enjoyment.
- Custom Pondless Water Feature: Design a dramatic turquoise waterfall that delivers the soothing sound of flowing water while remaining family-friendly.
- Peaceful Zen Garden: Incorporate a tranquil seating garden that honors the family's heritage and offers a quiet place for relaxation.
- Belgard Paver Hardscape: Define distinct outdoor living spaces with premium Belgard pavers while maintaining a seamless flow throughout the backyard.
- Professional Landscape Lighting: Illuminate gathering spaces, pathways, and focal points to extend the enjoyment of the landscape after sunset.
- Low-Maintenance Beauty: Blend efficient irrigation, decorative gravel, artificial turf, and sustainable planting into a landscape that's as practical as it is beautiful.
"Greenway made the entire process enjoyable from start to finish. They listened to our ideas, created a design that exceeded our expectations, and delivered exceptional craftsmanship throughout construction. Their communication, attention to detail, and commitment to quality gave us complete confidence every step of the way. We couldn't be happier with the finished landscape and would gladly recommend Greenway to anyone looking to transform their outdoor living spaces!" - Vijay & Kanthi Kollengode
Discover Why Our Clients Have Voted Us the Best of San Diego
Landscaping Companies for Eight Years in a Row
As a family-owned and operated business for over 30 years, Greenway Landscape Design & Build has been constantly refining our process and striving to exceed your expectations—and it shows. Our clients have voted us the "Best Landscape Service" in the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers’ Poll for eight consecutive years, 2018–2025. Read about what it's like to work with us.
See What Decades of Local Expertise
Can Do For Your Property
We put our hearts and souls into our work, and we believe it shows in every fine detail, creative solution, and exceptionally crafted hardscape. Take a closer look at our portfolio to find some inspiration for your own outdoor living space.
We’ve numbered all of our photos throughout the galleries on our website. See something that inspires you? Please jot the number down and we can talk more about it! Visit our Portfolio page to see more beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
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Get to Know Our Process
Our refined Greenway Process is designed to deliver exceptional results for our clients in Rancho Santa Fe, California the North County San Diego, California area. This is how we make that happen:
Leading the Way for Landscaping Companies in Rancho Santa Fe, CA North County San Diego, CA
and Nearby Communities
We offer residential and commercial landscape design-build services throughout North County San Diego and nearby communities. Take a look at our service area and reach out if we can help you with your outdoor makeover.
Greenway is a proud member of the California Landscape Contractors Association and we proudly present our accolades and certifications.
Discover What Sets Us Apart
Expect your landscape upgrade to be simple and enjoyable—and expect the design and installation crew to be reliable, approachable, and respectful of your property, wishes, and budget. Discover what sets us apart from other landscaping companies in Rancho Santa Fe, Californiathe North County San Diego, California area. Contact us to get started on your landscape design and installation.
