The property at dusk, the hills continuing past the back boundary
At the back of this garden the property appears to have no edge. Planting gives way to grass, grass gives way to the hills, and there is not a neighboring roof in sight.
It did not arrive that way. In 2017 this was an acre and a half buried under overgrowth, close to level but falling away toward the rear. The first work was subtraction: the clearing was done against a tree survey, so nothing protected was lost and the mature canopy that frames the view stayed exactly where it stood. The grade was then reworked to move water away from the house and off the site in the direction the land already ran. Everything after that was organized toward the back. A covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and dining table anchors the middle of the plan, the pool carries an infinity edge so the water sits level against the lawn behind it, and the planting thins as it travels out, ending in California native grasses that look lush, take very little water, and ask for almost nothing once established. Planting, irrigation, water budget calculations, and the low-voltage and exterior lighting plans were carried through submittal by the studio as landscape architect of record.
The terrace and pool from the lawn, late afternoon
The entry court, stone pads set across the water
The covered patio opens to the lawn and the trees beyond
The infinity edge, the pool reading level with the lawn
California native grasses at the terrace edge, last light
The existing trees lit from below after dark
The house from the lower lawn at dusk