Taproot Garden Design & Fine Gardening: Shank Residence Back Yard

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Shank Residence Back Yard - Almaden, San Jose, CA

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Copious use of California native plants, permeable surfaces, soothing Mediterranean colors & textures, wide open pathways for speeding children and their trikes, all set off by beautiful cut stone patio surfaces resonating the fantastic hues of the natural California landscape.

Below, we will take you on a virtual photo-tour of the recent backyard installation. First pics are most recent, with the original untouched landscape at the end just to highlight the transformation. This is now a vibrant, cool-looking living space that gets tons of daily usage, perfectly suited to a growing all-organic, conscientious, California-friendly family.

When done viewing this page, please be sure to visit the High-IQ Front Yard to see more dynamic, drought resistant, all organic landscape planning.

This garden in Almaden, San Jose, CA was installed in the early spring months of 2015 and is full of California Native plants. The bare bones of the garden shows balance between decomposed granite pathways, Connecticut Bluestone pavers, and plants. Circulation and ease of movement through the garden is important to the family (especially for their kids on tricycles). Come spring, the California native ground covers, perennials, shrubs, and trees will quickly fill in the open spaces and soften the landscape.

April 2016: One gallon plants, almost a year later. Salvia sonomensis 'Bee's Bliss' groundcovers grow at an amazing rate.


February 2016: Salvia sonomensis groundcovers line both the decomposed granite pathway and the Connecticut Bluestone Full Range paver pathway.

February 2016: After less than a year (and plenty of rain!), the Salvia sonomensis groundcovers are quickly growing over the wall and filling in the mulched areas.