The owners of this classic Victorian home wanted to refresh their yard so it would be visually-appealing from the neighborhood perspective, along all sides of this corner lot — but also from within the home and yard itself. At the same time, it needed to support vibrant, urban permaculture, as well as maintain plenty of room for entertainment.

In the front yard, the home’s new curb appeal melds contemporary design features — such as new concrete retaining walls — with the classic features of the traditional home. Other additions include flagstone pathways, new stone stairs to the sideyard, and new lawn and planting areas that include an irrigation system and lighting.

Around the back of the home, the expanded patio offers plenty of room for gatherings of friends and family. Plus, raised beds for vegetables and cut flowers feature integrated benches for increased entertainment area and a place to sit around a fire pit.

This yard wasn’t a complete blank slate when we started — rather than tear it all out and start fresh, we carefully edited existing plants to increase fruit, berry, and flower production, and to augment scent and seasonal color. The garden is now both beautiful and productive, with an attractive and delicious first summer season, and a pumpkin patch that was the talk of the neighborhood.