Willow Glen, San Jose - Boulders, Grasses, & Groundcovers

This lovely garden in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood was re-designed and planted in October 2016 to take advantage of the winter rains. The original hardscape, lawn, and all trees were retained, and low water grasses and boulders were added. Moss and lichen covered Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders added structure, while Mendocino Reed Grasses and Autumn Moor Grasses added softness to the front entry.

Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders were used to display hand carved pumpkins during Halloween, October 31, 2017.

A large Sonoma Fieldstone boulder, with unique features, was added to the entrance between the driveway and the walkway.

A close-up of one of the large Sonoma Fieldstone boulders, with its unique features.

A mix of large, medium, and small Sonoma Fieldstone boulders were 'planted' in the soil throughout the garden.

Moss and lichen covered Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders amidst Mendocino Reed Grasses and Autumn Moor Grasses.

Moss and lichen covered Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders amidst Mendocino Reed Grasses and Autumn Moor Grasses.

Moss grows naturally in pockets and cracks in this Sonoma Fieldstone Boulder.

Mendocino Reed Grass (Calamagrostis foliosa) and Yerba Buena (Satureja douglasii) groundcover fill in bare spots around rocks & boulders.

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.

Small & Simple Sanctuary - Santa Clara, California

This sleek Santa Clara, California garden was installed six years ago with the intention of creating an ideal drought tolerant, low water and low maintenance living space.  The design transformed a somewhat narrow, unimpressive yard into a wonderful backyard retreat.  Clean lines, low-contrast colors, modern Asian influences and useful spaces are perfectly fit for regular meals & small social events, completed by a short, meandering pathway of cut-stone pavers leading to perfectly proportioned vegetable beds. 

Back garden patio with
'Charcoal' Idaho Quartz Slate pavers

Pittosporum tenuifolium screens both fences and neighbors' back yards, gives the homeowner's privacy, and provides shade in the late afternoon.  Pittosporum tenuifolium is drought tolerant, low water (once established), non-invasive and, with some skillful regular pruning, can be maintained in a 'light & airy' form at 15 feet tall in a two foot wide bed, making it the ideal shrub for screening.

The stabilized grey decomposed granite pathway with inlaid 'Charcoal' Idaho Quartz Slate pavers allows for foot traffic and water drainage to plants nearby.

'Charcoal' Idaho Quartz Slate pavers

Pinus thundbergii 'Thunderhead' (Japanese Black Pine), Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty', Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Kohuhu', Pittosorum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf', and a Clementine Mandarin Orange tree share this space.

A Pinus thundbergii 'Thunderhead' (Japanese Black Pine) and other shrubs are kept small with regular once-a-year pruning.

Japanese Black Pine

Garden Lantern

Front garden patio entrance with same 'Charcoal' Idaho Quartz Slate

Front garden patio entrance

Front garden plants match back garden plants for continuity.

A small lantern statue sits in a shaded corner with Sonoma fieldstone boulders in the front garden.

The Design

BEFORE:  Uneven formed concrete patio surface and full sun exposure made this garden hot and visually unappealing. Fixed!

BEFORE:  Odd plantings, and no sense of space or privacy.