Plant Lover's Paradise in Rancho Santa Fe


		Attractive dry stream bed hides a drainage swale No one can tell that this attractive dry stream bed hides a drainage swale.

		Beautiful materials for the garden steps Beautiful materials blending harmoniously together make the descent into the garden exciting.

		Back garden with pool before renovation On the wish list for the back garden were the removal of the lawn and more definition of the space which seemed to drop off, at the edge of the slope, into a “no-man’s land”. The glare of pavement and walls made the patio uncomfortable, and the noise from the road below the slope contributed to making this garden uninviting.

		Before – Front entrance obscured by palms Palms and other foliage shrubs obscured the house; the access to it, on a large driveway, was unfriendly to visitors approaching it on foot.

		Gate in the back garden We added a gate to separate the patio from the garage area and to give the patio a more private feel.

		Gently curving descent into the garden A gently curving path and garden steps were added on the side of the driveway, allowing the discovery of the garden and home on a more human scale.

		Pool and patio with canopies The patio space was enlarged, and elegant canopies shade two separate dining areas. We chose “interlocking” concrete pavers because they offer a safe footing for the elderly family members and allow rainwater to percolate into the subsoil.

		Pool Deck The lawn has given way to plantings of drought resistant perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering trees. The pool deck, in size reduced, is also paved with interlocking pavers so all spaces connect seamlessly.

		A profusion of drought tolerant perennials and grasses A profusion of drought tolerant perennials and grasses.

		Sound & Seatwall in the back garden A 3 ft masonry wall with glass panels effectively blocks the noise from the road below and gives the garden boundaries and structure. While allowing the view outside it directs the focus inward and makes the space more intimate.

		Walkway and planting detail Comfortable stepping stone paths lead to discoveries of exciting plants in all parts of the garden.