K&D Landscaping, Cabrillo College hort department team up on beautification project

K&D Landscaping partnered with Cabrillo College’s Horticulture Department to complete a community beautification project at the horticulture building on Monday.

This one-day project is a celebration of over 50 years of legacy and learning at Cabrillo. The revitalization effort, designed by Shanti Wertz of Evolve Exteriors and Nicola Hughes of Cabrillo Horticulture, created the native plant landscape design and were supported by students from the horticulture department. It focuses on a drought-tolerant, eco-conscious landscape that celebrates California’s native plants and indigenous culture.

A new outdoor lab area will provide an active curriculum space for students to learn and apply valuable work skills that improve their livelihood and career readiness. More than 150 students are served by the program annually.

The project features a public-facing demonstration garden where plants will be labeled to encourage community learning and cultural appreciation. With help from students, the landscape will showcase low-water-use species that support biodiversity and create a sustainable ecosystem for years to come.

“Partnering with K&D to renovate our hardscaping opens up new opportunities for the community to access quality horticulture education,” says Sarah Patino Hulick, from the Cabrillo College Horticulture Department. “As we celebrate 50 years of service, this project highlights native plants, ecosystem services, and the power of combining our design expertise with K&D’s skill in installation and materials.”