Benchmark Landscape, one of Southern California’s leading commercial landscape installation and maintenance companies, recently completed an extensive, year-long landscape project at St Gabriel Catholic Church, based in Poway.  The new church was designed to look similar to a 100 year old California mission.  It is simply beautiful.

John Mohns, President of Benchmark states that this construction project was very unique and exciting to install.  The overall property is built on a hillside.  The elevation change from the 2^nd tier overflow parking lot down to the new church is substantial.  Sixty (60) California Live Oak trees, (72 in, 60 in, 48 in, and 36 in box) were donated to the church by a Parishoner, replacing the specified 15 gallon and 24 inch box size trees.  “It was incredible to be able to utilize these beautiful and mature oak trees,” stated Mohns.

Hundreds of natural boulders, many in the 5–8 foot size were placed throughout the site utilizing a large excavator with thumb attachment.  “The owner recognized the value and natural beauty of these boulders,” said Mohns, “We had a lot of fun coordinating the placement of the boulders.”  It was challenging to safeguard, stockpile and finally permanently place the boulders at the various schedule stages, and locations throughout the project.

Another interesting aspect of the project was the utilization of ground water for the irrigation of the landscape.  Ground water was reached at approximately 700 feet and is pumped into two-5000 gallon above ground tanks at a rate of 45 gallons per minute.  The cost savings to the church will be unbelievable, said Mohns, and Benchmark Landscape appreciates the ability to water properly, especially on a site composed of decomposed granite in an area that can get very hot in the summer.  The plant material looks great and is establishing very nicely.

Benchmark Landscape installed a Hunter ICC Controller Irrigation System.  Incorporated into the system is the two-wire technology and decoders at each valve manifold.  This eliminates the need to run a common and a hot wire to each of the 99 valves installed on the project.  The two-wire system provided a labor savings as well as a cost savings of wire/copper.

The end result of this impressive project at St Gabriel Catholic Church is now an efficient and beautiful landscape that adds beauty to the community. With the completion of this project, parishioners to the church can take in a view of a landscape that is as sustainable as it is serene and complimentary to the surrounding area.