Details Landscape Art, a design-build landscape contractor serving Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties, was called for a landscape renovation of this residential backyard in Novato, California. The property presented several design challenges. The backyard sloped in two directions toward the house, and the doors from the kitchen and family room opened onto the garden at different elevations.
No problem.
This landscape renovation called for creative solutions that would not only address drainage and grade changes, but also create an inviting outdoor living environment.
Landscape Renovation Solves Elevation Changes
A split-level Connecticut bluestone patio was designed to accommodate both the changing grades and the different elevations of the home.
Landscape renovation: split-level patios
Two semi-circular steps at the upper slider threshold, along with two additional sweeping curved steps, gracefully managed the full drop in elevation between the upper and lower patios.
Landscape renovation includes semi-circular steps between two levels
The bluestone selected was a variety known as “Full Color Range,” featuring an attractive blend of gray, brown, and gold tones that complemented the home and surrounding landscape.
Both patio levels were designed for outdoor dining and entertaining.
An Arbor Enhances the Garden
Because the homeowners were very sensitive to the sun, shade became an important design consideration.
A large three-tiered redwood arbor was constructed over the upper patio to provide protection from the full afternoon sun. The upper patio became a comfortable daytime gathering space, while the uncovered lower patio was ideal for evening entertaininThe arbor was built using rough redwood con-heart lumber. Post corners were routered, crossbeams were notched and detailed, and closely spaced 2×2 members on the top tier provided maximum shade.
Landscape renovation adds three-tiered redwood arbor
The entire structure was stained a rich redwood color to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Drainage Is Critical in Any Landscape Renovation
At Details Landscape Art, we always grade patios so that water moves away from the residence.
French drains were installed along the patio edges and tied into existing downspouts to carry excess water safely away from the home and out toward the street.
Thoughtful drainage design is often invisible when completed properly, but it is one of the most important elements of a successful landscape.
Planting Completes the Landscape Renovation
The surrounding hillside was planted with a tapestry of ornamental grasses, colorful foliage, and groundcovers.
Landscape renovation – planting the hillside
A large scarlet maple, Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’, was strategically placed on the southwest side of the upper patio to provide additional afternoon shade as it matures to thirty or forty feet tall.
Two Japanese maples were incorporated to reinforce the subtle Asian character of the garden.
Shadier areas were planted with pieris japonica, azaleas, loropetalum, rhododendrons, hellebores, and hydrangeas. Sunny areas featured white Iceberg roses, ornamental grasses, Coleonema ‘Golden Sunset’, and Berberis ‘Rose Glow’.
Groundcovers included Vinca minor and Manzanita ‘Emerald Carpet’.
Lighting Brings the Garden to Life
A low-voltage lighting system completed the project.
The transformer was mounted in an accessible location for the homeowners, while path lights illuminated gathering areas and floodlights highlighted the trees and arbor.
Landscape lighting allows the garden to be enjoyed long after the sun goes down.
This Novato featured garden is an excellent example of recognizing the challenges of a site, solving those problems thoughtfully, and creating a beautiful landscape that enhances the way homeowners live outdoors.
At Details Landscape Art, every landscape renovation begins with careful planning—and ends with a garden built for life.