Mozaic Landscapes

Jan 2008

During house construction, Bob was in charge of the garden (the wife’s territory was indoors). Problem is, he only knew what he didn’t like and a cookie cutter design was out.  After much prodding, I uncovered a love for Carmel and the “less is more” cottage style of living.  Details of stone, plants, colors were all subject to Bob’s approval, but from good-natured wrangling and experimenting, over time he gained much plant knowledge and a designer’s eye.  We adjusted, modified, and over the years, a true friendship evolved along with the garden.

Menlo Park, CA

Jan 2007

What to do with a long narrow backyard by a father and his two sons who loved to bicycle? Why build a pump track of course. A pump track is a circuitous route with measured built in berms and rolling mini hills that allow the rider to ride without pedaling.  By skillfully using momentum and a “pump” action with the arms the rider is able to pick up speed with quite a workout. 

Saratoga, CA

Jan 2007

Betty enjoyed color, and at 82, it was to be her last home garden. Her floral upholstery provided direction for the palette of purples, rose reds, and cool blues. Even the house got a contemporary facelift of fresh green with watermelon on the doors. Smooth and level bluestone paving, a railing and seatwall for safe and secure access allowed her to venture out and away from the house. From under the blue arbor, she could enjoy the birds on the cherry pot fountain with the flowers in bloom. 

Mountain View, CA

Jan 2006

This meadow of grasses and lavenders moves with the ever present wind.  The grasses change constantly throughout the year, so are never boring.   Every year some bulbs and seeds are added for a dash of transient color.

Sunol, CA

Jan 2005

This Monte Sereno project began with a drainage problem and turned into five years of enhancing the garden. Renovations are often best done with the time to fully explore design and recycling possibilities, map existing plantings before deciding what to destroy.  Here, the original landscape was dull with expanses of declining lawn and unused areas. As we reshaped and expanded planting beds, extended a patio, added focal points, a putting green and batting cage, paths, pots, custom cushions, a slate entrance, urns and a mailbox pillar-- in time, well it was hard to remember it ever looking bad.

Monte Sereno, CA

Jan 2005

Greenroofs (planting on rooftops) represent a growing trend due to their many environmental and aesthetic benefits.  A separate landscape specialty, keeping a structure dry and plant roots moist in a rooftop environment can be challenging.  Greenroofs are comprised of layering: waterproofing, drainage, root barriers, irrigation, webbing,  soil, plant material, mulch may all part of the system;  each element carefully selected to insure success.  Three and half years later, we can enjoy the swaying grasses which change color seasonally in sync with the surrounding hillsides

Sunol, CA

Jan 2004

Karen liked Mexican style and the road to Hana. Jimmy, a fullblood Pacific Northwest Muckleshoot, and the two children, Southwest Hualapai and African-American needed a lap pool. Sacred colors of white, dark red, turquoise, black and gold were set into the pool tile. Mature palms and Turtle Island sculpture became focal above the waterfall.   A kiva fireplace, totem pole, and sweatlodge were natural additions. Here, a rightful place for all was the point.         

Los Altos, CA