This San Francisco garden in the Richmond District underwent a total makeover. Along with adding a staircase connecting the main living area on the second floor to the garden, we made space for intimate lounging, a bluestone patio for group dining and entertaining, growing edibles, and added a large tree fort for the kids in the mature Redwood tree.

Eight years later, with the former tree fort inhabitants in college, we are gearing up build a stylish lounge structure under the redwood using reclaimed lumber from the fort.

It's interesting to note that the patio was designed to be large enough to host the family's Sukkot every year in October. Sukkot is a Jewish festival for giving thanks for many things, such as food and shelter. The clients construct a large structure every year for this celebration and spend the week celebrating and even sleeping in it.

Also of note: the majority of plants in the garden are California natives such as Douglas Iris, Carex pansa, Common Yarrow, Monkey Flower hybrids, Ceanothus/Blue Blossom, Vine Maple, Bush Anemone, California Aster, Alum Root, Seaside Daisy, maidenhair Fern, Catalina Current, Pacific Reed grass and even a potted Giant Sequoia. This lovely native garden is punctuated by a handful climate appropriate non native plants from around the world.