Modern Backyard Update

"I found Laurie while doing a google search as I was looking for someone who could help my husband and I revitalize our garden. I didn't know her or know anyone that had previously worked with her, but when she came for a site visit, I just knew that she'd be perfect! She has the experience and the design creativity to come up with a beautiful landscaping plan. When it comes to the intangibles--integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, professionalism--I have very high standards, and these are Laurie's strengths! You can always find very talented people, but it's a tougher task to find someone of such character. First, Laurie took the time to find out our vision for our garden, and meticulously pulled together a detailed plan to help us realize that vision. She is a resolute caretaker of the budget, offering us cost effective, high quality solutions. I think she captured everything we were hoping for...a serene, simple, elegant yard for relaxing and entertaining. Laurie really takes the extra steps to make sure her clients are happy...and we are VERY happy!"
- Jodi M.

This Emerald Hills home is positioned at the back of a country lot, creating a long, narrow backyard. The homeowners were looking to update it with a more modern look, low maintenance plants, a working garden for vegetables, herbs and citrus and a very clean, almost stark look. The challenge? The deck and fencing needed to stay. Phase one included new irrigation, both in-ground sprinklers and drip, expanding the deck to eliminate the narrow grass "channel" between the deck and raised bed running along the back fence. The deck, fences and retaining walls were stained to create a unified "backdrop". Crushed gravel was used for pathways and a small seating area off the deck, which was furnished with a bistro sets, grill and groups of container plants. Bistro style patio string lights were installed over the future dining area on the deck.

The soil was refreshed throughout the garden and the retaining wall was planted with Harbour Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo. Phase two of the plan calls for vertical plant panels to go up on the fences as modern art.

In the vegetable garden area, a curved raised bed and matching curved bench were added and the ground was planted with plugs of Chamomile. A modern round Gracie arch was added in the homeowner's favorite orange color and will be planted with brilliant while Moonflower vine in the spring. A secondary raised bed holds dwarf citrus and the path meanders through a low maintenance side yard planted with Lady's Mantle, Ornamental Cranberry, Lily Turf and Pearl Bush.


Please email or call 650-802-8770 to schedule an appointment.