I had so much fun designing this front and backyard overhaul, with lots of creative freedom and shared inspiration through Pinterest boards with the client, Katie. We landed on a Mediterranean gravel garden aesthetic for the front yard which feels more like a side courtyard sandwiched between two houses. Garden beds mulched with gravel flow seamlessly into the pathway leading into the backyard while plants from countries like Italy, Chile, and Australia that share a similar Mediterranean climate as our region add year round interest and character. Lots of herbs, drought tolerant shrubs with fantastic foliage, and some fun alpine ground covers for the gravel garden will fill out this garden in no time.

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Upon opening the gate to the backyard, the environment shifts immediately with overhead shade from a huge sycamore maple. While the front yard is a highly visible and trafficked area, the backyard is a sanctuary, offering shade and rest. The gravel path continues, this time curving through bermed garden beds featuring PNW natives, edible fruit shrubs, and Asian flowers and grasses that invoke a sense of zen, eventually leading to a circular gravel patio. A rock swale hugs the patio, mimicking a dry creek bed to make the homeowners feel that they are in a natural environment, fitting for the avid backpackers they are!

This yard is a lesson on what's missed out on when a sad lawn dominates the landscape: west coast plants to offer wildlife support, year round foliage and bloom interest, edible fruit shrubs and trees, and dedicated space to meditate, entertain friends, and watch the garden grow.