This charming entry is the portal to the garden.We redesigned the facade of the house, matching it to the new wood fences and gates.Note the tasteful use of container plants on the front porch.Behind the fence to the left is the deck. You’ll see more of that in a moment.Here’s the new deck, complete with custom seating and multiple levels.Wooden steps lead up to the deck.Here’s a great spot for intimate conversation or quiet contemplation.The benches are custom-made and fit the space nicely.Steps are shaped to accommodate travel in any direction, and equipped with lights for safety.Steps lead down from the deck to the back garden.A new deck and pergola provide a place to linger.Here’s another shot of the master bedroom area.An existing vast brick patio was relieved with new planter areas. Plants include lavender, India hawthorn, island bush snapdragon, manzanita, toyon, and of course the magnificent mature coast live oak trees.Here’s that same space from another angle.One side of the house is clad in natural redwood, while the other is covered with painted siding. Here at the transition point we built a fence with different sides to match the house. Crazy but it worked.These steps greet visitors from the street side.Railings and lighting add safety.We made this light from a piece of sandstone that was abundant on the site.These steps lead from the house to the stream area. More on that in a moment.Native toyon, lemonade berry, Ceanothus and other species screen the road without the need for shearing or other upkeep.Native lemonade berry and grasses are part of the understory planting, completely compatible with the venerable oak trees.We removed a long, unused driveway and created a streambed using the native sandstone boulders that were abundant on the site. It looks so real people think it’s natural.We didn’t do this; it just happened over time.This hole is fun to peek through.The owners found this bench. It’s a surprise along an outlying path.Small bits of the native sandstone were turned into a simple paving material.A lovely bed of native Heuchera.Extensive orchards and vegetable gardens produce a lot of food.Tresses of potted orchids add elegance.
