Just inland from the rustic town of San Juan Capistrano on Ortega Highway, lies the southern tip of an exceptional new development called Ladera Ranch. Originally part of the historic Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch has transformed 4,000 acres of rolling hills and rugged ranch land into an equally majestic living community.

The Rancho Mission Viejo Company, owners of one the few remaining working ranches in Southern California, brought together an elite team of planners, engineers, architects, and landscape architects to help develop a visionary concept. These professionals were put to the task of creating a Master Planned Community that would reflect not only a healthy regard for the rich natural history of the development site, but also embrace the cutting-edge technological advances of the present and future. What has become California’s first “wired community” also offers a wide variety of other amenities that, it seems, have roused to action home buyers from the Southland and around the nation.

As the Master Landscape Architects for Ladera Ranch, Land Concern has been charged with overseeing all aspects of landscape design and implementation for the entire development. This means everything from winding walkways and park benches to light standards and directional signs, from entry monuments and neighborhood swimming pools to village gardens and public amphitheaters. Every aspect of landscape architecture at Ladera Ranch must be reviewed and approved by Land Concern before it can become a part of this well-planned project. Even the open space areas are assessed to ensure benefits to both the native wildlife and the occasional hiker, alike.

Presently, the Ladera Ranch team is putting the finishing touches on the design guidelines for their forth and fifth phases of construction. Referred to as Covenant Hills and Terramor, respectively, both are located at the southern end of the Ladera Ranch project site, and each will present a slightly more exclusive living environment than that of the other three phases.

Covenant Hills will be the only gated neighborhood in Ladera Ranch, and it will offer some of the best views and the largest, as well as the only custom lots of the entire development. Landscaping efforts here will concentrate on enhancing the large number of slope areas and views of both the Pacific Ocean and the San Juan Creek Basin, as well as furthering the Spanish, Tuscan, and European Cottage architectural styles that will be prevalent throughout. Terramor, also known as “The Green Village”, will target buyers interested in green technology, reduced energy consumption, and a community that values sustainability. For this area, Land Concern will more closely focus on the use of plant materials as they relate to water conservation and solar diffusion. Turf areas will be restricted, and the plant palette will include indigenous and drought tolerant trees and shrubs, as well as unique plants chosen for their abilities to stimulate the senses.

Land Concern is working hard to help create a truly top-notch community in Ladera Ranch. There is still much to do before the project is complete, but the creative process has been and continues to be most rewarding for all involved. We'll share more with you about Ladera Ranch as phases progress.