Thoughtful design is about working with regulating lines, creative problem-solving, and knowing what can contribute to a comfortable, versatile, and beautiful setting. We first edited out 38 trees, including 19 Redwoods in 2020 as we embarked on this garden installation. Our home is a resource-conscious mash-up of what I call California Agrarian and Contemporary Tuscan and it relies on strong lines, order, and consistency in inherited and added materials. We have introduced 2,000 sf of Italian porcelain pavers, lots of gravel, functional light-etch concrete, and a 30’ long by 8’ tall brick wall to aid noise abatement. A raised spa is within the garden and alongside a 16’ x 38’ black-bottom play pool. There are two raised produce beds and easy fruit trees as part of a palette of earthy neutrals, yellows, and warm pinks.
