We have worked with Steve and Cindy on three projects. This dynamic couple have a habit of being stylish. Each of their homes have been a tribute to their love of their Brittany Spaniels, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, California Native Flora, Period Oriental Art and of course each other. When we were invited to breakfast to view their latest home in the hills of La Canada, we were stunned by the perfection of this new pad. It suits their period tastes perfectly. The first project was to design and build a raised planting bed for Cindy's passion for organic gardening. She and her Mother find true quality time in the garden. (photos below) Our latest collaboration, (and I mean collaboration for they both are well educated in all of the above) was a two part project. The first phase was to create a walkway to connect the entry court to the terraced garden on the other side of the house and to create a Japanese inspired California Native Garden Entrance. The greatest challenge (other than it was a 200 foot drop) was a way to maintain a stylish entrance but also to not call attention to the fence for their much loved pets. Even though we had chosen a black vinyl coated chain link fence that work well visually, in order to create three different spaces we needed to use classic principles of landscape architecture to make it all work well.

Every client is special to us in one way or another; Steve and Cindy are no exception---his love of landscape architecture and her love of California Native plants makes them stimulating clients. In addition, we find ourselves learning when with them, which is a joy.

The entry court requirements were "less is more---everything in its' place", relating to the perfect 1950's architecture. We knew they would be interested in something Oriental, but when they introduced us to new materials the project took a whole new life---for all of us! Cindy found a material called poly carbonate (typically used for modern green houses) and Steve found a substitution for wood called Trex. We were familiar with both, but had never worked with either. The results are perfection. Not only did we create a fantastic pattern with the Trex posts, but there is never a worry about the wood rotting, because it is a synthetic. It actually worked really well despite the fact that the only dimensions available are 2 x 4 and they are flexible.

As a feature in the entry court Steve and Cindy wanted a ceremonial water basin (tsukubai) this includes the arrangement of stones around it. Each stone has a purpose, the basin itself is to provide peaceful water movement, a place to wash ones hands---every part is symbolic. The water flows from the spout into the basin, then over-flows back into the ground which is connected to the sea. We choose to represent the sea with river rocks. In addition to providing a special feature, we also solved an original drainage problem by lowering the level of the ground (which originally was above the finish floor level) and installing a catch basin. So the sea actually was inspired by the need to move water.

Planting a Native Garden: Steve and Cindy are long supporters of the Descanso Gardens (just down the hill from their 2 acre estate), the Theodore Payne Society and the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden all of which promote the use of California native flora and fauna. The most important thing in planting a native garden is plant spacing. Most natives only come in 1 or 5 gallon containers. Their small size may just grow into something large. This is the most common mistake. So, although their garden looks sparse, it is planted properly and in a few years they will have the ideal garden without having a maintenance nightmare. The key is proper spacing!

Enjoy the photos below, more to come as the garden grows!