This garden design is an homage to Gregory Ain, the architect, and Garret Eckbo, the landscape designer, for the historical preservation tract across street. The owner and tenants of this multi-dwelling unit property are extremely proud of having the garden support itself without irrigation for 10 years!!
This was once a
The
designer is a firm believer in green architecture and green landscaping. Her goal was to transform each apartment into a private oasis with its own yard, maximize the inside and outside areas and have zero debris carted away into landfills. All the existing
concrete was cut up into pavers that now form the side yard walkways, the
stairs into each apartment and the large elevated private concrete patios. Two
Landfill from the concrete debris that could
not be reused supports each elevated patio. The patios are designed to allow the rainwater to seep down into the ground through the 2”
wide separation between pavers and by sloping in the right direction.
Each
private yard and elevated patio has recycled concrete steps leading down to a
surrounding yard planted with aromatic evergreen vines and California native plants to enjoy throughout the year and assure privacy form the neighbors.
The front garden is the anchor for the
other yards, repeating the gravel ground cover and
the shared landscaping theme of the the apartments. French doors lead to an elevated patio that replaces a large dead grassy area and blank front blank wall. A vine overhangs and the gravel yard has two levels, seating
areas, a water feature and a fire bowl. Bamboo functions as an organic sound barrier, separating the front yard from the busy street, and also provides privacy. Each individual bamboo is planted within a 30 gallon plastic garbage pail so that it does NOT propagate randomly.
California natives, succulents, rosemary, thyme and blooming garlic line the walkways, offering a scented walk into each
apartment. Everyone enjoys the
soothing water feature in the front garden, since this
is the entry walk to all the apartments. Wonderfully fragrant night blooming jasmine
and a graphic fence screen treatment eliminate any visual or sensory issues with the recycle bins.
The
garden throughout the building is self sustaining, with NO built-in irrigation
system. All of the water to sustain these gardens is derived from rain water and morning dew. The gravel absorbs the water and creates an impervious barrier; instead of quickly evaporating, the water seeps into the ground freely
and is retained by the layer of gravel. A French draining system underground collects excess rain water and transports it to the street through a
system of underground pipes to avoid flooding and stagnant water pooling during
the rainy season.
Photographs of the original
building will help you fully appreciate the wonderful changes.
