This started out as a weedy, unatractive backyard with a lower level near the house and an upper lever, about 3 feet higher. This wonderful couple wanted to turn the yard into an attractive space useable for entertaining, outdoor grilling. relaxing, mental recharge, and a safe, fun place for their children to play in.

We transformed the existing stone retaining wall into a kitchen island with a built-in grill and a stone counter top. The architecture of the house featured an alcove which was a perfect loacation to add a redwood shade structure that transformed the lower patio into a separate space for preparing and enjoying meals. On the upper level, there was an old playhouse which we moved to the back corner on a new foundation and added a curvy grade level redwood deck as a "front yard". An eye-catchiing checkerboard patio was designed to liven up the remaining area of the upper level for adults to sit near the children while also enjoying some respite on the higher, protected area. The patio was made from cast in place concrete squares alternating with squares planted with woolly thyme.

The curved perimeter planting beds are filled with colorful, drought tolerant plants such as assorted Agaves, Lavenders, and Phormiums, Pink Manzanita, Lavatera, Trailing Juniper, Firebird Flax, Grevillea ‘Canberra gem’ Echeveria, Aeonium. and Rock Rose. The bronze, low voltage LED lighting fixtures extend the visible and useful value into the evening.