Project Background

Lew and Judie had been frustrated with their backyard for some time now and arrived at the decision that it was time to take action. Being a former customer (see front yard photos below) they had some prior knowledge as to what their options were. We bounced some ideas back and forth, but remained focused on what their needs were; for the backyard to be a functional retreat that invoked a sense of calm, somewhat of an escape from the hectic bay area life. It had to have a full natural feeling that didn't look too 'busy'. When Judy and Lew had contracted our services some 10 years earlier, we had been instructed by energy and water regulatory organizations to recommend that customers downsize lawns. To home owners and landscapers in California during the drought of the mid 70's, it had become quite clear that water was a very expensive commodity. The water suppliers were constantly sending reminders to conserve. Companies such as PG@E produced a list of trees and plants that were more drought tolerant. The landscape industry quickly followed by providing new ways to reduce water consumption in the lawns and garden areas with drip systems for plants and low output sprinkler heads.

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Judy and Lew were open to ideas that would reduce the total lawn area, and create something simple yet full of color while preserving enough space for their decorations. It was suggested that mounds with perrenials be used as focal points. Their front lawn had held up well from our previous job of 10 years prior, unfortunately their untouched backyard had suffered from severe soil erosion. They wanted to use a pond to further reduce lawn area, but to continue along that goal we added a walkway surrounded by raised mounds. We took advantage of the pre-existing full grown trees by adding flowering perrenial which added color and depth. A new drip system was deployed for the perrenial to reduce overhead watering. They were open to the pond design, which allowed for some free reign creativity. Using low voltage lighting was also suggested and used, which lit the walkway and uplighting to accent the pond and trees. The end result was a simple yet attractive landscape.

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