The owners of this garden had just finished building their new, colorful house and wanted a large, joyful play space for themselves and their young children that would be beautiful enough to entertain and effective enough to really get a good workout.

A large lap pool, a grass area worthy of a soccer field, and a basketball court are integrated with custom, Craftsman-style elements and natural boulders. A mix of recycled brick, slate tile, concrete with inset flagstones, and flagstone stepping stones comprise the patios and paths that allow for easy access between garden and house.

A large vegetable garden and a spacious chicken coop are in heavy use even years after the installation.

New oaks and California pepper trees joined the splendid selection of the old and established trees in the garden and California native shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, together with their Mediterranean cousins and low-maintenance groundcover roses, add color and beauty while needind little maintenance.