 |
| Before |
This family enjoys the outdoors and
cooking, so they decided it was time to make the outside of their home as
beautiful and functional as the indoors. Meeting with Leo Yao of R.I.C.E.
construction and Frank Tremmel of Neighborhood Nursery, they put their plan
together.
Priority one
was making beds for vegetables and fruit trees, while leaving room in the small
rear yard to entertain. Since space is an issue the vegetable garden is
integrated with the landscape plantings. The number of fruits trees increased
significantly, from 5 to 20, by espaliering the citrus trees and grape vines
against the fence and walls wherever feasible. In the front yard, fruit trees
with interesting character, like the beautiful trunks of the pineapple and
white guava trees are highlighted.
Moderate
sized flowering and fragrant trees - Michelea champaca Alba and the Pink Trumpet
tree (Tabebuia impetiginosa) - are located to give shade where necessary and to
block views of neighboring structures. Drought tolerant plants replaced the more
thirsty plants and lawn areas. These plants use both form and texture as well
as color to make the landscape stand out at all times of year.
The original
concrete patio was functional and just large enough to hold the patio tables
and chairs, but lacked character. By redesigning the space and keeping the same
overall square footage, a true entertaining area was formed. The beautiful new
BBQ was set near the kitchen, but is softened by the surrounding landscape. The
sitting area now allows room for a table and chairs sitting eight. And the fire
pit, with built in seating, feels part of the entire yard yet is a place a few
friends can sit apart from the rest of the group and have a more intimate
conversation.
A real stone
waterfall has become the central focus of the rear yard. Visually appealing and
viewable from all angles in the house and the rear yard, the water also has a
soothing effect that cancels out the sounds of the urban environment. The falls
are pondless to save water and are activated by a remote control switch so they
do not run until you want to enjoy them. The waterfall is also lit at night.
Outdoor
lighting was selected not to be the landscape, but to be hidden. Pathways are
safely lit. Corners are lit to eliminate shadows to make the yard look larger.
Walking throughout the property at night you will not be distracted by light
shining in your eyes. Very importantly, security is improved. The lighting is
set to come on at dusk by photo cell and turn off at a predetermined time to
save energy.
Maintenance?
Very little maintenance is required. Low volume, micro spray irrigation saves
water and deep waters all planting zones. All plants were chosen to be the
perfect size at maturity. No shearing and hedge trimming is required here.
Deadheading and lacing out the trees and shrubs several times a year is all
that is required.
