This property is a modest home in a residential neighborhood which backs up to wild land in a creek bed. Patricia has been fortunate to be able to work with the homeowner over several years to realize her vision.
Before | After |
![]() Typical foundation hedge plants and one interesting tree with a split trunk on a standard lawn. | ![]() Patricia removed all the lawn except a path. Native and adapted evergreen and blooming plants form islands of texture and color. The new porch provides a more welcoming covered entry. |
![]() The back yard, too, was basically one big lawn. | ![]() A circular garden is the centerpiece of the back yard now, with curved footpaths and keyhole gardens throughout. The beds are full of herbs and flowers. Visible to the right is a trampoline, a favorite of neighborhood children. |
![]() Looking toward the creek. The previous owner had fenced the lawn off from the wild land. | ![]() Patricia removed the fence, opening the backyard onto the creek. This stone footpath past the circular garden leads to stairs descending into the creek bed. |
![]() This storage shed was cramped and difficult to use because the door swung inward, using up lots of interior space. | ![]() Patricia installed sliding doors and a porch, making the space much more attractive and usable. |
Design Considerations | |
![]() Topographical map. The red arrow points to the subject property. The rear of the property descends rapidly to a broad creekbed, including a natural stone pavement and islands of trees and brush. | ![]() One of Patricia's design sketches for the back yard. The final result does not match this exactly, but the main shapes and contours are preserved. |
Additional Views | |
![]() Another view of the new front porch. | ![]() Front yard detail: Katie's Aralia. |
![]() Back yard detail: hibiscus flower in summer. | ![]() View from the creek. Patricia installed stonework to protect the creek bank. The back yard is up the bank to the right. |
![]() Datura provides night-blooming aromatic flowers outside the bedroom in summer. | ![]() The landscape has a definite sub-tropical feeling. |