The design task was to reconcile an outdated landscape with existing Spanish Architecture. Visitors are first greeted by a sun drenched Bougainvillea (San Diego Red) draped over an entry pergola. The drought tolerant Mediterranean plants (Agave, Thymus, Echium, and assorted grasses) were an obvious choice.

A second pergola constructed over a dining room veranda, repeats the concept of “blurring the division between indoor and outdoor living” while providing the perfect network for a climbing passion vine (Passiflora altopurea).

The final pergola is a backyard destination accessed by a water permeable Del Rio gravel path that surrounds a verdant area rug of St. Augustine turf.

Some of the client’s sustainability requests were met with low water planting, re-purposed broken concrete for raised beds, and an organic garden conveniently located off of the kitchen landing.