This project was for a young couple in the La Mesa area that really needed a total upgrade to their desolate and 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 that continues further around the house which not only feels like a warm comforting extension from the inside of the house to the outside, but it’s also an attractive architectural compliment.

The client also had purchased a DIY gazebo kit with a solid roof patio to be integrated into the design that our contractor installed. The new gazebo became the centerpiece of the yard and we did a paver pad underneath and flagstone steppers to it from the main patio which all came out very nice.

They owned (2) dogs so the yard needed to be dog friendly and they wanted to add a stained wood framed hog-wire short fence 3’-6” high (wood to match the patio cover) so they could protect their dogs from the rest of the yard where a skunk and other wildlife would visit on occasion. The grass area was designed to extend seamlessly into this fenced area to accommodate their dogs while adding in a nice balance of hardscape / softscape to their main patio.

The drought tolerant / water saving grass (uses about 40% less water) we installed looks beautiful and lush, where you just want to feel it and walk around on it. The pavers they chose for the whole yard both back and front were a faux stone paver (concrete made to look like stone which is more durable & less expensive) that came out really awesome. Colorful trees were installed such as purple flowering Jacarandas and hot pink flowering Crape Myrtles as well as a few fruit trees (Lemon & Lime).

The front yard was a dramatic renovation as well. We did a stone veneer on their existing cinder block drab wall (which accentuated their new pavers), installed a new main center entry walkway that has a great curving aesthetic from the street to the front door and that’s framed with pilasters closer to the street, revamped their whole entry patio with pavers, and added stepping stones from their main walkway to their side yard.

Other colorful plants such as an assortment of succulents like echeverias and aeoniums as well as other plants like flax, agaves, star jasmine vines, and red yuccas to name a few, deeply color this new elegant landscape. The clients are more than happy with their brand new masterpiece of outdoor serenity. As with all projects, starting with a successful design is key to a beautiful outcome. Reach out if you would like to discuss starting on your new design plans.