Nestled in north Phoenix this residence had various challenges when visualizing the new concept for the backyard. A number of impediments were: Drastic grade along the property wall, which made the space appear smaller, drainage issues and over grown plants that made the space basically useless. The criterion for the new design was to extend the patio into a Zen feeling with a minimalistic garden layout and design. Framed concrete pads were created to extend the existing patio with an artificial grass strip in the middle to create a bigger open space. An existing native mesquite was kept to shade the backyard and cool off the artificial grass in the summer months. The retaining wall was created due to the slope change along the property wall to create overflow seating. A 3-spiral basalt water feature was added to give a soothing feeling to the yard