Rodrigo Araiza Paisajismo

Step into The Cove – Conscious Gardening by the Pacific, a garden on the coast of Baja California Sur that shows us how it is possible to integrate with the sandy landscape through environmental sensitivity without giving up comfort or aesthetics, an article by Rodrigo Araiza Paisajismo.

In the growing community of Cerritos, Baja California Sur, rises The Cove, a beachfront residential project that has managed to adapt to its surroundings without sacrificing aesthetics. Cerritos, one of the most popular beaches on the Mexican Pacific, is experiencing rapid growth, and The Cove is part of this evolution, combining luxury with environmental sensitivity.

The first phase of the development included a tropical garden with extensive lawns, crinums, plumerias, and other exotic species. For the second stage, the developers sought a more sustainable approach and invited us to design a garden more integrated into the local landscape. The only requirement was to incorporate the use of treated greywater for irrigation. From there, we were given complete creative freedom to propose both the design and the plant palette.

The proposal was inspired by the arid, rocky character of Cerritos, integrating native flora with exotic species adapted to coastal conditions. Cardón cacti, lomboi, wild plums, and endemic prickly pears were combined with Bismarck palms, date palms, aloes, and scaevolas—a shrub that thrives remarkably well by the sea.

The proposal was inspired by the arid, rocky character of Cerritos, integrating native flora with exotic species adapted to coastal conditions.

The soil was one of the main challenges. Beneath a thin surface layer, we found almost continuous rock. To solve this, we brought in farm soil from the agricultural fields of Pescadero, mixing it with the local substrate. This allowed us to create mounds that facilitated root development while maintaining a natural aesthetic. The design balances clean lines, gentle curves, and sharp angles, achieving a harmonious integration between the natural and the architectural.

A second request from the client was to include a putting green and a small lounging area with sunbeds, as well as direct access to the virtually private beach. Although the garden covers no more than 700 m², all these elements were integrated without losing cohesion. Today, a year after planting, the garden has successfully matured. The summer heat and the automated irrigation system—adjusted by zones according to plant type—have enabled healthy growth and efficient water use.

During a site walk, the spontaneous idea arose to add a pétanque court. The client recalled that his father loved this game—also known as bocce or bachi—and we decided to build it using leftover materials. With a view of the Pacific, it became one of the most special corners of the project.

Finally, subtle lighting was incorporated to ensure nighttime safety. Although it may appear intense in some areas, it meets the needs of residents, many of whom are older adults, and the terrain includes irregular surfaces such as flagstone.

This garden not only offers beauty and functionality, but also stands as an example of how landscape design can respect the natural environment without giving up comfort or aesthetics.