SERENE OUTDOOR LIVING AMONGST THE OAKS - NOVATO, CA

2021 APLD Award Winning Landscape Design - A judge's comment: 
"This project is absolutely dreamy, from the layout of the hardscape, use of space, multiple levels,
to how the space is integrated with the oak trees, and I love the plant palette...this project has it all..."

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​Project Overview:
This serene, expansive backyard setting with mature oak trees and a brilliant Golden Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'), has been transformed into a modern, welcoming outdoor retreat for the homeowners to enjoy throughout the seasons. The updates include a travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways; concrete retaining walls and column accents, and an expanded deck. The pathways meander throughout the landscape; some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks have been left natural with fallen leaves. The sunniest area of the landscape was designated for a vegetable garden planted in galvanized troughs, painted bronze. Herbs, citrus, fig, apple  and other fruit bearing trees were also planted in the adjacent beds. 

A variety low-water and low-maintenance,  plants were chosen for both sunny and shady areas, and CA native plants that thrive under the oaks and support the  natural ecosystem. Other plants include low-water succulents, grasses, perennial flowering plants, and trees from CA and other Mediterranean climates. Several boulders that were found onsite were repositioned in the planting beds adding to the natural setting. Large dramatic white pots provide architectural accents; some filled with succulents others with dwarf citrus trees. Low voltage pathway and garden lights provide lovely nighttime accents and ambiance.

 Design Details:

• The spaces flow from one area to the next. Patios and pathways positioned to enhance the views of the distance hillsides through the structural  oak trees.
• Colored concrete retaining walls, seat walls and architectural columns.
• Natural Travertine stone patio in a Versailles pattern.
• Travertine wall and column caps, stairways and pathway stepping stones.
• Two-tone Gravel beautifully accents areas between stepping stones.and in other pathways
• New expanded deck and railings
• Architectural pottery.
• Site-appropriate Mediterranean plants include several succulents varieties, fescue and other grasses, flowering Penstemon, Yarrow and Gaura, chosen for interest throughout the seasons. A CA. native Arbutus unedo - Strawberry Tree, A Fig, Pear, Apple and Citrus trees.
• CA native plants below the Oak trees add to the natural woodland ecosystem
• Raised galvanized troughs for vegetables.
• Existing large boulders repositioned along pathways and in planting beds.
• Low-voltage LED lighting for ambiance and safety​

​"Working with Eileen and Dig Your Garden Landscape Design was an absolute pleasure. During the project she was very creative, thoughtful, and a master at incorporating my abstract design ideas into a beautiful garden plan. We are very pleased with the finished garden and look forward to many years of enjoyment. Thanks Eileen!"                                                                                                                                        -P. Smith, Novato, CA

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