Cotton Jones – Encinitas, CA

The generous sized front ‘yard’ of this residence had a beautiful oak and cypress but was wide open to a street with that had seen increasing traffic. The owners were tired of feeling they were on view as soon as they walked out their front door. New smooth wall stucco and horizontal cedar walls, with solid mahogany gates, now enclose the new garden. Sand blasted concrete block walls and a built in ipe bench provide seating while defining the space. A new entry path to the front door features sand finished uncolored concrete, leading to an ipe bridge that floats over soft grasses and connects with a stone landing at the front door. California native plants flourish under the oak and a variety of birds flock to the rustic water feature. Liking what we had done to the front garden, the owners requested a new design for their rear garden as well. Now several levels of decking, anchored by sand blasted concrete walls, house a gas fire element/ lounging and dining areas before leading down to flagstone and decomposed granite paths and seating areas. Drought tolerant plantings of Shoestring acacia trees, shrubs , salvias and Miscanthus complement the new garden.