California Contemporary

What this garden and its residents needed seemed simple; a space for cartwheels, a clean pathway, and a spot to gather and entertain around the pizza oven. The existing deck high above and newly added Casita added extra challenges. The garden below presented a feeling akin to standing at the bottom of a canyon, and the view from the deck felt like center stage to the surrounding neighbors.

Working from the existing deck off of the Casita, we designed a series of square concrete pavers rotated 45 degrees from the house. This playful path connects the 4 disparate entry points of the garden, and reinforces the clean aesthetic of the Casita. The clean angles and borders are softened with triangular beds on either end of the garden, supported by a furry dose of No-Mow Meadow just to make sure you don’t take it too seriously.

For privacy, we added a Pluot tree along the fence and edible Passionfruit vines to the base of the deck (who, after only one year have reached the 2 story roof!). The view of the pavers below lends a fun, alternative perspective. The planting palette highlights splashy variegated contrast against the Casita wall, dramatic textures, fruit and herbs perfect for “potion-making” and general kid-sploration, and habitat-supporting plants for hummingbirds, songbirds, and pollinators. The perfect spot to enjoy a summer sunset with friends.

Photos by David Fenton, “before” photo by Christine Martin