K&D Landscaping joined forces with Cabrillo College’s Horticulture Department to transform the campus horticulture building grounds into a living classroom. The one-day beautification project marks the department’s half-century of horticultural education while creating new educational opportunities for future students.
Drought-Tolerant Design Honors Local Ecology
Landscape designers Shanti Wertz (Evolve Exteriors) and Nicola Hughes (Cabrillo Horticulture) developed a water-wise concept featuring California native plants that celebrate indigenous culture. The installation team included horticulture students, providing hands-on experience with sustainable landscaping techniques. The design prioritizes biodiversity while requiring minimal irrigation – a critical feature for California’s climate.
Dual-Purpose Space for Education and Community
The revitalized area serves as both an outdoor laboratory for 150+ annual horticulture students and a public demonstration garden. Plant identification labels throughout the space encourage community learning about native species and their ecological benefits. “This renovation expands access to quality horticulture education,” noted Sarah Patino Hulick of Cabrillo’s Horticulture Department.
Industry-Academic Partnership Yields Lasting Impact
The collaboration combined Cabrillo’s design expertise with K&D’s installation capabilities, creating a model for future college-industry partnerships. The new hardscaping elements support curriculum delivery while the native plant selections demonstrate practical applications of drought-resistant landscaping principles.
Sustainable Legacy for Future Generations
As the college celebrates its 50th anniversary, the project establishes an enduring ecological showcase. The low-maintenance landscape will continue evolving as a habitat for local pollinators while serving as a test bed for student research. This living laboratory represents Cabrillo’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and workforce development in the green industry.
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