Challenges sometimes make for the best designs. Our goal here was to honor the sense of place, help blend the modern home to its surrounding environment, carve outdoor living spaces into a sloping property, maintain a sense of serenity, and utilize xeriscape planting principles. Raised concrete planters follow the slope of the site, and allow the architecture of the home to extend out into the landscape. They also providing a better growing medium for the textural plantings. Natural stone patios, retention and steps soften the aesthetic, and tie into the native boulder retention. A hand carved, stone Buddha sits serenely in the wildflower meadow. This garden is extremely low maintenance, while still conveying a dynamic and interesting curb appeal.