In 2000, County Landscape & Design transformed this neglected small back yard into a lush, intimate garden meant for strolling, reading, contemplation and entertaining family and small groups. The soil was a heavy adobe clay, which is always challenging to work with. There was a large tree in poor condition that was threatening the power lines and shading much of the yard. The power lines were an inescapable eyesore. And there was no place to simply sit and enjoy being outside.

We developed a simple, plant-oriented space that consisted of a main patio off the house, a smaller sitting area under a mature Pittosporum tree and a simple mulched path that connected the two. The patio steps down from the back door of the house and is decorated with attractive blue tiles that match the house color and satisfy the owner's affection for blue.
On the practical side, we removed the offending tree, buried the overhead power lines that crossed the yard, and regraded to provide proper drainage.

The plantings consist of a perennial garden surrounded by a small grove of Forest Pansy redbud trees and perimeter plantings of various clumping bamboos. Other plants include Iris 'Canyon Snow', 'Moonshine' Yarrow, Juncus effusus spiralis, Euphorbia 'Cherokee', Carex praegracilis, Carex glauca, Carex comans, and Geranium 'Biokovo'