Garden Design Objectives: Remove turf to save water; create a new and lasting garden that evolves seasonally, is low-maintenance, beautiful, undesirable to deer, yet attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; include native plants; increase off-street parking but with a permeable surface so that some rain soaks into the ground. Lots of research went into plant and materials selection.

The old garden has been removed. Soil from the excavation for the new parking area inside the curb is saved, as feasible, for new planting beds (berms). The crew is building the forms for the concrete wall and stairs.

Forms are installed for the wide, comfortable stairs in the middle of the wall.

The forms and rebar for the concrete pour are virtually ready.

The concrete is delivered and poured into the forms.

A concrete pad to widen the driveway is poured.

The concrete forms are removed and now the planting beds are prepared and flagstone is mortared to the wall.

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A craftsman custom cuts each piece of flagstone for a natural appearance.

The flagstone facing is nearly done and the permeable base for the new brick parking area is prepared.

The brick driveway is completed and boulders are delivered for placement throughout the new garden.

Boulders are 'staged' in advance of the masons carefully and artistically building 'dry stack' retaining walls and decorating the new planting beds.

A new flagstone path is cut and laid out, connecting the front entry to the new parking area and the more distant driveway.

It's really coming together. The hardscaping (concrete, bricks, flagstone, and boulders) is nearly done.

The planting berms are final-graded and new surface drip lines are installed and tested.

The garden is planted with an abundant array of northern California natives, mediterranean species, and classically beautiful plants (such as cascading Japanese Maples.) Aromatic and drought-tolerant ground cover is planted between the flagstones. All the plants are selected to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds over the growing season. As well, these are plants that deer tend to avoid.

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The design and materials integrate comfortably with the home and the existing trees.

Low-voltage, LED lighting enhances the garden and entry at night, allowing visitors to safely enter and leave the residence and to appreciate the garden.