A complete redesign was proposed for the garden of this Spanish style house in the Vendome neighborhood, a historic area of downtown San Jose. Careful attention was paid to proportions in designing a low stucco wall to provide a modest sense of enclosure for this corner lot. Drought-tolerant plantings surround a small, yet functional lawn space. Colored concrete pavers were poured in place to create a transition from the large porch to the lawn area. Low containers in the landscape provide a place to grow seasonal herbs.