This Project involved taking a terraced backyard with unusable decks and undulating surfaces and creating a large expanse of open flat paved space to provide a more usable entertainment and recreation area.
The old decks were removed and the site was excavated back to create the required large flat area. Wooden retaining walls were constructed at two different heights to provide both a structural and visual break in the wall and also to create a large planting bed. The area was paved with a colored stamped concrete to add interest and dimension to the area. Stairs were constructed to lead to the service area and also to the lawn area above the walls.
The beds were then planted out with a variety of plants to soften the walls, add texture color and scent to the area. A fountain was placed against the wall as a feature. Two large Ash trees were planted to provide shade over the new patio.
During
After
Entertainment and Contemplation Hermosa Beach
The design concept divides the garden into two distinct areas - an entertainment space and a contemplation area. You exit the homes rear patio and step down on to a new paved patio. On your left is a BBQ, which has a redwood shade pergola above it. The pergola has climbing roses growing on it. Next to this is area is a "floating"redwood bench for seating. The planting here is New Zealand Flax. The large existing lemon tree is pruned and remains the focus of this courtyard space. Around this space and under the kitchen window are mass plantings of Pink and Blue Hydrangea. The view out of the window is a large rosette fountain.
The second area of the garden is the more contemplative space. It is separated from the entertainment space by a low planter bed filed with shrub camellias. You enter the area by climbing two steps and passing through a redwood arbor arch covered with star jasmine. The contemplative area is paved with large bluestone flagstones interplanted with Irish moss and surrounded with red gazania. The focus is a natural stone fire-pit made to look like a campfire. The surrounds of this area are low wood retaining walls. The privacy of the space is achieved by the planting of a hedge of Podocarpus. The planter beds are filled with lavender and rosemary. Wood planter pots with miniture citrus are placed around this area. The existing Palm is left to add height and focus to this area.
