The clients, native-plant enthusiasts and naturalists, had recently retired and were ready to transform their large wraparound lawn into a native plant landscape. They love to host parties, and without a lawn for guests to stomp around on, they would need to expand their hardscape. We devised a plan of linked meadows with flagstone paths with a large patio extension for dining and a small “island” for lounging. Because the lawn was edged in redwoods and camellias, I designed a forest edge of native shrubs and perennials to soften the edges. We wanted the new landscape to not look new at all.

We created a “burbling spring” water feature by arranging two boulders and plumbing one of them, and we added another boulder and smaller field stones in the adjacent meadows for rhythm and structure in the naturalistic meadow.

Due to the differences in exposure, the plant palettes vary among the three meadows, but the grasses, especially the California Fescue, unite them in character and lead the eye. This is a highly seasonal garden, with hundreds of native bulbs among the grasses, a rain garden, and many winter bloomers along the edges.

This project was a joy from start to finish. Delightful clients, impeccable hardscape work by Rafael Torres of Torres Masonry, and a seamless installation by Jesus Castillo of Castillo Gardening.