This property was overgrown with weeds and remnants of degraded landscaping. Greener Environments restored the backyard with an environmentally friendly outdoor space.

The landscape was designed to accentuate the modern architecture of the new house, yet provide a natural feel to give a sense of comfort and relaxation. The owner wanted multiple patios to entertain guests and enjoy the yard from different perspectives.

Underground drains were used to bring rainwater from the entire roof and driveway into a swale, reducing stormwater pollution and potable irrigation requirements.

To minimize surface runoff and make the space more livable, we corrected a sloping grade by constructing a retaining wall. It was built using a dry stack method mostly with stones that were found on site from a previous landscape, reducing the need for additional materials to be mined and trucked in.

Two permeable patios were built using decomposed granite, as well as a walkway with permeable joints. Ornamental plants were selected to be drought tolerant and provide habitat and beauty. Edible plants such as native strawberry, fruit trees, and pineapple sage were also used. An old raised garden bed was left in the landscape for vegetable gardening. The entire landscape was covered in a thick layer of compost and mulch to retain moisture, reduce maintenance needs, and build healthy soil. Drip irrigation was used for efficient watering. Carbon emissions for this project were offset with self-imposed carbon tax.