Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Laurence Residence - South San Jose, California

Set among the foothills of South San Jose, California, is a garden worthy of the views of the Golden California hills.  The golden colors in the hills are reflected in the meandering tan decomposed granite pathways, mimicking a hiking path, or entrance to the foothills.  Elements in this garden include long, sweeping pathways for walking and bike riding, plenty of boulders to climb on, grass for picnics, and a hammock for those lazy days of summer.  The raised vegetable garden beds produce an abundance of vegetables, while fruit trees line the perimeter of the property.  The drought tolerant California native plants will take a few years to fill in the spaces, but will eventually create a haven for local pollinators and a private, park-like setting for the family.
Long, winding decomposed granite paths are bordered with Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders and drought tolerant California native plants.
Bird's Eye View of the garden


In only its first few months, this thriving raised vegetable garden is producing a great amount of organic vegetables for the family.
A hammock set between two Mulberry shade trees provides an escape for the happy wanderer.
California native plants grow in a natural setting between Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders. In this photo, Achillea millefolium californica, Arctostaphylos 'Dr. Hurd' Manzanita, and Myrica californica are settling in to their new environment.

A young Arctostaphylos 'Dr. Hurd' Manzanita grows by the fence and will provide a green backdrop for the white Achillea millefolium californica.
Achillea millefolium 'Terra Cotta' next to a Sonoma Fieldstone Boulder.

Meandering decomposed granite pathways match the surrounding hillsides and pull the natural golden color forward. The drought tolerant California native plants will take a few years to fill in the spaces, but will eventually create a haven for local pollinators and a private, park-like setting for the family.
A relaxed environment.
California native Achillea millefolium californica gives the garden a meadow look.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Modern Garden Design in Menlo Park, California

This garden in Menlo Park, California was installed in the early spring months of 2016.  The modern house and matching studio were clearly in need of new surroundings, and the family was in need of an outdoor space that would accentuate their home life.  Out with the old lawn and in with the new deck, hot tub, wood bench seating, concrete planters, decomposed granite patio, raised vegetable box, fruit trees, and drought tolerant shrubs and perennials.

Modern elements in the garden reflect the style of the architecture.  The young couple and their kids can now entertain friends and family in a clean, natural, and open environment.
BEFORE:  The dead lawn and unused outdoor space before the makeover.
Wood bench seating surrounds a concrete planter bed.
Plenty of bench seating for entertaining small parties or, for stargazing during the warm summer nights.
A tan decomposed granite patio replaced the brown lawn. The open layout gives enough space for inclusion of tables and a fire pit when entertaining. Wood posts in the back corner will be used to string up lights and shade sails.
A concrete raised bed doubles as seating next to the hot tub.
In its first two months since installation, this mix of California native plants, drought tolerant perennials, evergreen shrubs, and fruit trees have already flowered and grown three times their size.  A healthy dose of myccorhizae in the planting hole gave way for healthy established roots.