Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 15, 2026
Opulands Wins CLCA Award for San Jose Xeriscape Oasis
TLDR
- Opulands won a 2026 CLCA award for its Running Springs Xeriscape Oasis, showcasing superior craftsmanship and water-conscious design in San Jose.
- The project involved underground gopher protection, complex grading, drainage solutions, and tailored irrigation zones before drought-tolerant plants and stone walls were installed.
- Opulands transformed a challenging property into a sustainable, beautiful landscape, reducing water demand and creating a lasting outdoor environment for the homeowners.
- The Running Springs Xeriscape Oasis overcame extreme gopher infestation with hidden underground barriers, proving that great landscapes start beneath the surface.
Impact - Why it Matters
This recognition underscores a growing shift in residential landscaping toward water-wise, sustainable design that doesn't sacrifice beauty. As drought conditions and water restrictions persist across California, homeowners are increasingly seeking xeriscape solutions that reduce consumption while maintaining curb appeal. Opulands' award-winning project demonstrates that even challenging properties—plagued by pests and poor drainage—can be transformed into thriving, low-water landscapes through careful engineering and craftsmanship. The hidden work of grading, irrigation, and root protection is what ensures these outdoor spaces endure, offering long-term value and environmental benefits. For Bay Area residents, this news signals that expert landscape construction can deliver both aesthetic and ecological returns, making it a worthwhile investment in sustainable living.
Summary
Opulands Landscape Design & Construction, a Bay Area family-owned company specializing in full-service landscape and hardscape design, has earned a 2026 Achievement Award from the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) SF Bay Area Chapter for its Running Springs Xeriscape Oasis project in San Jose. The award, in the Xeriscape Residential Installation category, recognizes excellence in landscape construction and highlights the technical skill behind transforming a challenging residential property into a refined, water-conscious outdoor environment.
While the finished landscape appears calm and natural, the installation required extensive site preparation. The team tackled an extreme gopher infestation with comprehensive underground protection, addressed complex grading and drainage issues, and designed multiple irrigation zones tailored to different plant communities. Natural stone retaining walls stabilize the property and add texture, while drought-tolerant plantings reduce long-term water demand. The xeriscape approach proves that sustainability and aesthetics can coexist, creating an established, timeless landscape.
The CLCA recognition reflects Opulands’ attention to hidden details—grading, drainage, irrigation design, soil preparation, root protection, and structural elements—that form the foundation for lasting outdoor spaces. The company is grateful to the homeowners and craftsmen involved. For Bay Area residents seeking professional landscape design and installation services, Opulands offers the experience to transform challenging properties. Homeowners are encouraged to contact Opulands Landscape Design & Construction to learn more about their landscaping services. A four-time Best of Houzz winner (2022–2025) and recipient of three Bay Area CLCA awards in 2025, Opulands Landscape Design & Construction creates luxury outdoor living spaces built to last.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Opulands Wins CLCA Award for San Jose Xeriscape Oasis
