Carol and John were inspired to call us after they saw the rock work Michael created at John and Vicke Selk's garden. We are thrilled she was, because Carol was an inspiration to us! Working in their garden became a labor of love--as we found many things in common, plus her charming nature inspired us to create a charming garden. We both share a love of trees, which became the main feature of the patio garden. John and Carol both are fine creative spirits.

Our initial consultation with Carol set the tone of the garden. She requested a garden that was water-wise, but also would produce vegetables. There was also a need to provide shade over the patio but also allow the sun to warm in the winter. Our first task was to decide what plants were working in the garden, and what was not. We creatively pruned the existing shrubs into trees, which revealed a beautiful branching structure---these newly revealed sculptural trees became the foundation for the garden. By loosely following the outline of the existing foundation, we planted an amazing plant called Dwarf Nandina "Harbordii". This amazing plant changes color throughout the year (Summer lime green, Winter Scarlet Red and transition light green). By planting this specimen in mass, but as a border, the garden now had unity. This was a perfect solution to the linear nature of the back garden. For shade protection, we choose to plant Cercis occidentalis or RedBud in mass, as well. We actually over planted (on purpose) to provide the maximum amount of shade, and canopy. This area has become fondly known as "The Grove". Once established both of these plants are heat resistant, and water wise plants. The Redbuds have beautiful heart shaped leaves which will ultimately provide an interesting shadow pattern. The Spring brings thick red buds, which open to a profusion of lavender flowers; Summer medium green leaves, Fall they become bright yellow, and in the winter the sun will shine through their empty branches.

Michael prepared a hand-stacked raised vegetable garden for Carol and John to enjoy. Also, scattered throughout they garden are other vegetables and herbs along with a Meyer's Lemon, a Blood Orange, Kumquat, Lemon and Guava trees. The entire garden works well to give beauty, but also produce food.

The front garden required a complete new direction---one that would work with the existing beautiful specimens of American Beach Trees, and create an easy to walk on path way. We choose to remove the existing path, and redirect guest to walk through the front lawn of lavender. That's right, we removed all of the grass, and replaced it with English lavender (which is not English at all). In a year or two the lavender will be a fragrant homage to the former water thirsty grass. We anticipate the lavender lawn to be a natural easy to maintain lawn substitute. Since we have planted appropriately, we're just going to let them do their thing! For the paving system, we used a "DG" (decomposed granite) base, for 2' x 2' natural concrete pavers. In the gap between pavers we choose a multi-colored pea gravel to add some texture. Along the pathway, Michael created little "stories" of plant and rock collections--this to give their guests something interesting to see upon their approach to gracious entertaining. We also painted the front door a glossy jet black (so glossy it always looks wet). Our inspiration for the door were our European trips, where the doors ALL are bold and glossy. Pretty Gorgeous!