Joyous Wildlife Habitat

My clients landscaping just wasn’t working for them when they came to me for help. We created a joyous garden filled with ‘wabi sabi’ charm and filled with one-of-a-kind pieces. We removed the grass and existing nonfunctional path and deck and replaced them with permeable stone paving with enough space to create a large seating area in the front yard. Bulky stone columns were pared down to simplify the look of the facade. A stucco pony wall with a quartzite cap and hand-hewn gate around the yard creates a feeling of enclosure but not isolation. A “Little Free Library” with a bespoke rustic bench on the outside of the wall has become a neighborhood gathering spot. Boulders and contoured ground with a riot of California native and climate appropriate drought tolerant plants mimic nature. A bubbling basalt stone fountain creates a soothing audible backdrop and is much loved by the birds and wildlife that flock to this garden which is a certified wildlife habitat. 

 

In the back an elevated covered porch has plenty of space for an extended dining table. The outdoor kitchen with large wrap-around counter, storage and state of the art equipment is a grilling powerhouse. An industrial CorTen fire table and outdoor seating create another wonderful place to relax. A low water groundcover “lawn” and play set make this yard friendly to both children and adults. Outdoor lighting in the evening completes the magical setting. Outdoor lighting invokes magic in the evening.

 

An existing stormwater collection system was a great start to building a sustainable garden. Permeable paving, drip irrigation, native and climate appropriate low-water plants, a low water Kurapia lawn, wildlife habitat, a water feature, grading and soil building make the garden a sustainable haven for birds, butterflies and wildlife.