'Stone Sanctuary' in La Mesa

This project was for a young couple in La Mesa who really needed a total upgrade to their desolate, neglected yard. The transformation was outstanding. The style that emerged from the design meetings was a loose California style with a Mediterranean touch. A stained-wood open patio cover was implemented above their quaint courtyard and continues around the house, a warm extension from inside out and an attractive architectural complement.

The client had purchased a DIY gazebo kit with a solid roof that our contractor installed; it became the centerpiece of the yard, with a paver pad underneath and flagstone steppers from the main patio. They owned two dogs, so the yard needed to be dog-friendly with a stained-wood hog-wire short fence (3'-6" high) that protects the dogs from skunks and other wildlife. The grass area extends seamlessly into this fenced area. Drought-tolerant grass (uses about 40% less water) looks beautiful and lush. Faux-stone pavers were used throughout, plus colorful trees like Jacaranda and Crape Myrtle, fruit trees (Lemon and Lime), and an assortment of succulents and shrubs.

The front yard was a dramatic renovation as well, with stone veneer on their existing cinder-block wall, a curving main entry walkway framed by pilasters, and a paver entry patio. Evan Weisman was the contractor and did a great job.