Gated community with backyards that opened to the undisturbed desert. Editor of an outdoor magazine that left California for the tranquility of our Sonoran sunsets.

The objectives for the client were:

• Design a landscape that felt like a seamless transition to the adjacent wild desert.
• Create a colorful plant plan that felt lush, like the client’s familiar landscapes of California.
• Deliver both serenity and a great space for entertaining within the confines of the modest yard.

Our client was a long-time admirer of Boxhill Design, so when she made the move from California to Arizona, she asked us to help her with her new space. An avid gardener, she loved plants but was having a hard time keeping her California species alive. We began by having her create her dream list of West Coast flora. We then sourced native plants that had similar looks and feels to create the plant plan. We planted species with staggered blooming seasons, so that there would be color year-round.

An outdoor kitchen, a fire place, a covered patio, a barbeque, and a fountain provided lovely options for entertaining guests. And, although the yard was modest -- a mere 30’ x 16’ -- the final design made the space feel enormous. Enamored with the adjacent wild country, our client was thrilled with the way her backyard made her feel like she was walking into to the backcountry. We created an additional native garden sitting area for an immersive experience. Our designs stand the test of time – these photos were taken over ten years after we originally installed this space.

To see our full portfolio of memorable and inspiring designs, go to www.boxhilldesign.com. Visit us at www.shopboxhill.com to browse for unique accessories, furniture, and modern outdoor style.