The owners of this residence wanted a garden that would complement their beautiful mid-century modern house. They needed a space that would accommodate large gatherings of friends and family, but they also yearned for a peaceful oasis for themselves. To achieve these goals we treated the garden spaces surrounding the house as a series of separate courtyards. Tall vases and architectural plantings along a wall create a processional feel from the street to an exuberantly planted entry courtyard. Behind the wall, a sunny kitchen garden supplies fresh vegetables to the cook in the family throughout the year. The largest courtyard in the rear garden allows the owners to entertain with ease. A cooking zone, two dining areas, and generously upholstered patio furniture around a firebowl bring the comforts of the indoors outside. The new garage/studio building designed in the same style as the house provides garden lighting as well as storage: translucent windows transform the structure into a lantern in the evening. A textured green planting palette and the quiet trickle of the water bowl complete the peaceful atmosphere.

Created in collaboration with Norman Olsen Design Consultants and Dieter Bay Landscaping. Photography by Allegro Photo.