Fireside Retreat

in Noe Valley

After years of ignoring the hot tub and struggling lawn area beyond their back deck, Stephanie and Pete craved a garden space that would better fit their lifestyle and personal taste — a cozy outdoor place to gather with friends surrounded by colorful plants.

We envisioned a low meadow garden bursting with color and texture, and a backdrop to tie in with their neighbor’s Jacaranda tree. A natural flagstone pathway sweeps through the meadow, leading to a cozy firepit area tucked into the slope at the rear of the property.

Multiple cultivars of yarrow play off the deep charcoal concrete backdrop.

New concrete retaining walls hold back the slope around the patio, and provide support for a cantilevered bench.

A diverse and colorful plant palette including natives of California, South Africa, and Australia are year-round eye candy that require minimal water.

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