The side yard became an appropriate entry to the oriental-inspired back garden. The previous low metal gate did nothing to promote anticipation in the mind of the visitor. We left some turf, cutting it into a serpentine pattern. The panicum 'Dallas Blues' will grow to 3-5' in height. The idea of using this plant combination was to transport the visitor back to his or her childhood where he or she might have been running through a grassy field, stumbling upon a mysterious treasure. The serpentine pathway slows down the visitor and creates that sense of anticipation. I chose a 'Merlot Majik' mimosa tree, which will be pruned in an appropriate way when it grows, because the very dark foliage speaks of mystery and complements the color of the doors and frame. These doors are 8 feet wide; the entire structure being over 10 feet. This imposing height creates a childlike sense within the mind of the visitor. Photo by Jay Sifford.