Ornamental Land Design

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Reclaimed and Reimagined: Meadow, Gathering Spaces, and a Property Transformed

Location Greater Sacramento Area

Scope Full redesign of all yard space

This full-yard transformation creates a warm, inviting, and highly usable outdoor retreat. From the very first presentation, the design resonated with the clients' vision so much, they moved forward with it exactly as shown, without any revisions. At the heart of the backyard, a gently layered meadow garden brings softness, movement, and a sense of calm. Though still in its early stages, the meadow is designed to fill in over time with a rich variety of colors, textures, and heights. It will create an ever-changing natural tapestry that offers seasonal interest and visual depth.

Surrounding this central feature are thoughtfully selected drought-tolerant plantings that provide structure and year-round appeal. A sculpted, raised concrete patio serves as a strong architectural anchor, while curved gravel pathways and a custom cable trellis add character and flow.

Sustainability was thoughtfully integrated into the design by reusing materials already on site. Pavers from a small, underused patio in the back corner were repurposed to create a meaningful new pathway that connects the front yard, side yard, and backyard—enhancing circulation while reducing waste. Existing architectural boulders were repositioned to create natural accents and anchor planting areas throughout the garden.

One side yard now features a once-overlooked large pottery piece, relocated from an inconspicuous spot in the backyard to become a striking focal point. It's now framed by lush, low-maintenance plantings and a casual stepping stone path that guides movement through the space. The other side yard was redesigned with a new concrete base and custom gate to neatly conceal garden equipment and refuse receptacles—addressing functionality with care and subtlety.

The front yard was transformed from a patchy lawn and a single tree into a welcoming, water-wise garden featuring a thoughtful mix of drought-tolerant and native plantings. Green-hued boulders, which deepen to a rich, vibrant tone when wet, were strategically placed to add sculptural interest and a subtle touch of surprise—enhancing the garden's texture and connection to the natural environment.

Designed for everyday living and effortless entertaining, this landscape now feels like an extension of home... thoughtfully crafted, quietly joyful, and ready to be loved for years to come.

Photography Credit: Julia Aue Photography (https://www.juliaauephotography.com/)

From Utility to Tranquility Side YardPreviously a utilitarian space with hog wire gates, gravel, and scattered storage, this side yard in Davis has been thoughtfully redesigned into a welcoming garden pathway. The flagstone pavers were creatively repurposed from a small, seldom-used backyard patio and now form a charming path connecting the front and back yards. Inviting plantings, natural mulch, and a view framed by terracotta vessels create a serene passageway that feels like a destination. What was once just a pass-through is now a peaceful, beautiful part of the home's landscape.

Side Garden with Custom Trellis and Framing GreeneryThis view highlights the transformation of the side yard into a tranquil garden corridor framed by cable-wire trellises and shade-loving plants. With the gate closed, the space feels more intimate, emphasizing clean lines and the vines that will eventually soften the vertical surface. Reclaimed flagstone leads the eye to the sculptural ceramic urn, now a proud focal point. Once just a pass-through, this path now elegantly connects the front and back yards.

Custom Cable Trellis Detail with Sculptural V-PatternA close-up of the custom-designed cable trellis reveals the thoughtful craftsmanship behind this modern garden feature. Horizontal stainless steel cables are anchored with sturdy, high-quality turnbuckles for a clean, architectural look. A distinctive V-pattern spans every two panels, adding sculptural rhythm and subtle movement. The trellis supports climbing vines and acts as a beautifully detailed backdrop that elevates the side yard experience.

From Side Path to Meadow Through a Framing ArborThis view captures the elegant transition from the structured side yard to the expansive, nature-inspired backyard. A metal arbor marks the shift from flagstone to gravel, creating a visual threshold and anchoring the journey. On the right, a custom cable trellis supports young vines that will soften the fence. Ahead, plantings open to a colorful, undulating meadow, while side plantings will mature into a lush privacy screen. The layered design draws the eye forward.

Custom Cable Trellis with Flowering Vine in the Side YardWhen an off-the-shelf option didn't quite fit the look or function like what we were after, we created a custom cable wire trellis tailored to this space. Its clean lines and understated structure provide the perfect support for a flowering vine that will quickly fill in, adding vertical beauty and softness. Positioned along the side yard path, this trellis transforms a transitional area into an intentional, inviting part of the garden—enhancing the experience as you move through the space.

A Glimpse into the Garden BeyondThis close-up of the metal arbor captures a quiet moment in the garden. The soft blur of the background hints at the layers beyond—a gravel path, low patio, and rising plantings—while warm light filters through the structure. As a transition point between the side yard and backyard, the arbor creates the feeling of arriving somewhere new. This space, framed by clean lines and thoughtful materials, gently invites you into the heart of the garden.

Evening Glow Over Patio and MeadowThis image showcases the gravel path and patio of the project, along with a raised patio area. A flagstone walkway winds through a blooming meadow toward a cozy spot for two chairs—perfect for quiet moments. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the scene. Meadow plants are beginning to flower and will soon fill in, adding color and texture to this inviting outdoor space.

Connecting Spaces with Light and TextureThis image captures the interplay of pathways and planting zones in the project. The gravel patio transitions to a connecting path that abuts the raised concrete patio, where a subtle step light adds warmth and visibility in the evening. The meadow is filled with emerging plantings and a flagstone path that gently winds through it. Along the back fence, the planting is intentionally lighter, creating a contrast with the denser meadow and offering the eye a place to rest. This rhythm of fuller and more open areas brings balance, texture, and a sense of calm to the landscape.

Meadow Details and and Reclaimed FlagstoneThis close-up highlights the vibrant meadow plantings as they begin to fill in, showcasing variety and natural beauty. A new hibiscus, added to complement an existing one, brings extra depth and color. Reclaimed flagstone pavers gently wind through the space—rescued from an underused patio to support a more sustainable design. As the sun sets, its soft light filters through the trees.

A New Heart for the BackyardThis image captures the interplay of pathways and planting zones in the project. The gravel patio transitions to a connecting path that abuts the raised concrete patio, where a subtle step light adds warmth and visibility in the evening. The meadow is filled with emerging plantings and a flagstone path that gently winds through it. Along the back fence, the planting is intentionally lighter, creating a contrast with the denser meadow and offering the eye a place to rest. This rhythm of fuller and more open areas brings balance, texture, and a sense of calm to the landscape.

Gravel Patio, Curved Arbor, and Emerging MeadowThis view looks toward the back of the house, featuring a gravel patio constructed over a base of hidden hexpavers. These structural pavers lock into place beneath the gravel to prevent shifting and sinking, creating a stable surface that's comfortable to walk on while maintaining a natural, seamless look. The curved metal arbor frames the start of a path that guides you into the yard. Early blooms are appearing in the meadow, and side plantings—chosen to mature into a soft privacy screen—are beginning to take root. Small boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, adding visual interest and grounding the planting design.

Curved Patio & Flowing Garden Paths in a Restorative BackyardThis thoughtfully designed Davis backyard blends comfort, style, and functionality. The curved raised concrete patio sets the stage for future lounging, soon to be furnished with inviting outdoor sofas and a firepit. Nearby, a gravel area is reserved for an outdoor dining table—perfect for alfresco meals under the trees. A flowing gravel pathway lined with honeycomb pavers ensures stable footing as you move through the space, guiding you around the entire garden with ease. Off the main path, stepping pavers invite you to meander through a growing meadow toward a future destination: a peaceful sitting area where an Adirondack chair will offer a quiet spot to unwind. Practical improvements include a handsome new wood fence that screens the AC unit, and a clean-lined gate that conceals the newly paved side yard—transforming previously cluttered views into moments of calm and order. The landscape is designed to evolve beautifully over time, with layers of texture and movement adding depth and natural interest throughout the seasons.

Flowing Paths and Layered PlantingA sweeping gravel path guides you through this layered, nature-inspired backyard. The gently curved route leads to a sculptural raised patio, ideal for gathering or quiet reflection. A soon to be lush meadow fills the space with seasonal color and movement, while carefully placed stepping stones and open mulch areas provide rhythm and contrast. Trees offer filtered light throughout the day, and the evolving plant palette ensures changing interest year-round. This design balances form and feeling.

Soft Meadow Planting Meets Sculptural HardscapeThis backyard blends naturalistic planting with clean, sculptural hardscape. A curved raised patio anchors the space, stepping down to a dining patio surfaced with gravel over hexpavers for a firm, sink-free feel. Adjacent to the patio, a vibrant meadow of seasonal bloomers in varying heights creates a dynamic, textural “blanket” effect. The planting gradually transitions into more open, restful zones toward the fence, offering visual breathing room. Tall screening plants along the edges will grow in to provide privacy. The overall composition strikes a balance between structure and softness, movement and calm.

Modern Horizontal Screening Board FenceThis sleek horizontal screening board fence adds a clean, contemporary edge to the garden. Its design creates subtle texture and rhythm, complementing the nearby pathway and planting area while providing privacy and structure without feeling heavy or obstructive.

Reimagined Side Yard with Reused Materials and Sculptural Focal PointOnce a forgotten pass-through cluttered with debris and two unused gates, this side yard was completely reimagined into a peaceful, purposeful garden path. Reused flagstone from a small, underused patio now forms a meandering walkway that connects the front of the house to the backyard. A large ceramic pot, previously hidden in a corner, was repositioned as a sculptural focal point—now beautifully visible from the dining room. Custom-designed cable-wire trellises add a clean architectural line to the fence, offering support for the beautiful flowering vines. Shade-loving plants complete the transformation, bringing life and texture to this newly functional, artful space.

Front Yard Redesign with Drought-Tolerant PlantingsThis front yard was transformed from a patchy lawn and sparse, struggling shrubs into a vibrant and welcoming garden. The old grass and tired plantings were removed to make way for a new design featuring colorful perennials, soft-textured grasses, and rich mulch for a polished, healthy look. Striking green boulders were added as sculptural focal points—subtle in dry weather but revealing a deeper, more vivid green hue when wet. These stones anchor the space and provide natural contrast to the planting. The updated landscape brings curb appeal, texture, and seasonal color to the front of the home.

Colorful Front Yard Planting Bed with Boulder AccentsThis front yard was transformed from a patchy lawn and sparse, struggling shrubs into a vibrant and welcoming garden. The old grass and tired plantings were removed to make way for a new design featuring colorful perennials, soft-textured grasses, and rich mulch for a polished, healthy look. Striking green boulders were added as sculptural focal points—subtle in dry weather but revealing a deeper, more vivid green hue when wet. These stones anchor the space and provide natural contrast to the planting. The updated landscape brings curb appeal, texture, and seasonal color to the front of the home.

Composed in Stone and Bloom – A Front Garden RedefinedThis wider view of the front yard captures the full transformation, showing the sculptural green boulders, fresh plantings, and warm mulch that replaced a patchy lawn and tired shrubs. A new flagstone path now connects the main walkway to the side yard, guiding movement and tying the spaces together. The layered plantings are just beginning to fill in, offering texture, seasonal color, and a sense of cohesion. The design balances structure and softness, giving the home a refreshed and inviting presence from every angle.

Natural Stone Accents Amid Blooming PlantsA close-up of the front yard boulders, showing their rich green color that becomes more vibrant when wet. Surrounding the stones, a diverse mix of new plants is beginning to bloom, adding color, texture, and warmth to the space where it was once sparse. This variety not only enhances the visual interest and depth of the garden but also supports a more sustainable and environmentally friendly landscape by encouraging biodiversity. The combination of natural stone and healthy plantings creates a calm, inviting atmosphere that feels both thoughtful and alive.

Before: Small Flagstone Patio and Bare BackyardThis photo shows the backyard before the redesign, featuring a small, cramped flagstone patio tucked into the corner. The majority of the yard is bare dirt with scattered shrubs and visible tree roots, creating an uninviting and unfinished appearance. The space lacks definition and warmth, highlighting the need for a thoughtful landscape transformation.

Before: Dirt Backyard with Two Undersized and Unused PatiosThe central portion of the yard was an open, compacted dirt area with minimal planting and isolated elements. There was no clear organization or hierarchy to guide movement or use, and the space lacked visual cohesion despite its size and potential. In addition, the very small patio adjacent to the house, was not large enough to place outdoor dining or other outdoor furniture, making it underutilized and disconnected from the surrounding yard. The transition between the patio and the landscape was abrupt, with limited planting or material continuity to unify the space.

Before: Backyard View Toward Back Fence with Small Patio and Concrete StripLooking toward the back fence, this photo captures the small flagstone patio in the distance surrounded by mostly bare dirt. A large, outdated concrete mow strip dominates the scene, creating a harsh, unused barrier that interrupts the natural flow of the yard. Scattered, sparse shrubs add little function or visual interest, making the space feel neglected and underutilized—a clear starting point for improvement.

Before: Bare Backyard with No Structure or Connection to the HouseBefore the redesign, the rear yard was primarily exposed soil beneath mature trees, with limited planting and no clear spatial structure. While the trees provided shade and privacy, the space lacked a finished ground plane and defined areas for gathering or circulation, leaving the yard underutilized. There was also an undersized, underutilized and poorly located patio in the back corner of the yard.

Before: Backyard Corner by AC Unit with Flagstone and Overgrown ShrubsThis photo shows the backyard corner near the AC unit before the redesign. The space is mostly bare dirt, with scattered, overgrown shrubs and general disarray. A few flagstone pavers—later repurposed—hint at an earlier attempt to shape the space. The tree in this area was eventually removed, making way for a raised concrete patio, thoughtful planting, and a fresh, modern layout. What was once messy and undefined was transformed into a clean, inviting, and functional part of the yard.

Before: Side Yard with Gates and Cluttered Pass-ThroughThis photo shows the side yard before the landscape transformation—a narrow, utilitarian space with two hog wire and wood gates, minimal planting, and scattered clutter. With wood scraps and debris along the path, the area served only as a pass-through and lacked any sense of design or purpose. After the redesign, it became a focal point visible from the dining room—an intentional, beautiful space where people now want to spend time.

Before: Close-Up of Gate and Cluttered Side YardA closer look at one of the hog wire and wood gates in the side yard, surrounded by broken wood structures and scattered debris. The area felt neglected and lacked any functional or aesthetic value. This section, once overlooked, was later completely transformed into a clean, welcoming space that adds beauty and purpose to the yard.

Before: Patchy Front Lawn with Overgrown PlantingsThis photo shows the front yard before the redesign, featuring a struggling lawn with bare spots, weeds, and grass that wasn't thriving. Overgrown foundation plantings crowd the base of the house, and a lone tree sits awkwardly in the center of the yard. Near the front walkway, the planting area is filled with oversized, unshaped shrubs, giving the space a cluttered and neglected appearance. The entire area lacked structure, color, and curb appeal—making it ready for a fresh start.

Before: Patchy Front Lawn with Sparse PlantingsThe front yard appeared sparse and lacked an overall design framework. Although lawn was present, planting was overgrown and uncoordinated, with little color, structure, or visual interest. The landscape did not create a welcoming arrival experience or convey a sense of beauty for the homeowners as they returned home.

3D Rendering: Front and Backyard from Left Side of HouseThis 3D view created for the clients captures a broad perspective of the property from the left side of the house, showcasing both the front and backyard areas. The design integrates new planting beds, pathways, and seating spaces that create a cohesive flow throughout the yard. You can see people walking in the backyard, giving a sense of scale and how the space invites movement and relaxation. The house itself anchors the view, connecting indoor and outdoor living with thoughtfully designed landscape elements.

3D Rendering: Back Yard Planting and HardscapeThis close-up 3D view created for the clients focuses on the backyard, highlighting key features like the arched arbor where people are seen walking into the space. The raised patio serves as a central gathering area, complete with a seating area for relaxing and enjoying the new views. Adjacent to the patio is a outdoor dining area that adds texture and contrast, while the surrounding meadow planting brings natural softness and seasonal interest. A gravel pathway wraps around the raised patio, connecting to the other side yard and creating smooth circulation throughout the landscape.

3D Rendering: View of Front, Side, and Back Yards.This 3D perspective created by the designer for the clients captures a sweeping view of the property from the right side of the home, highlighting both the front and backyard spaces. The design introduces new planting beds, pathways, and seating areas that flow together to create a cohesive, welcoming landscape. The inclusion of people in the backyard adds scale and shows how the space naturally encourages movement, connection, and relaxation. Anchored by the home itself, the landscape seamlessly extends indoor living outdoors, reflecting the clients' vision for beauty and enjoyment across every side of the yard.

3D Rendering: Overview from AboveThis 3D image, created by the designer, shows the property from the left side of the home, with a full perspective of the front yard, entry, and backyard. New plantings soften the edges around the driveway and front approach, creating a welcoming transition into the home. Along the side and back, layered planting beds, trees, and shrubs lead to a curved pathway that connects to a raised concrete patio with seating in the backyard. The rendering highlights how the design flows seamlessly from front to back, reflecting the clients' vision for beauty and connection across every part of the property.

3D Rendering: Overview of Back Yard from AboveThis 3D image, created by the designer, highlights the backyard perspective with a closer view of the planting beds, curved pathway, and raised patio. Layered trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials bring texture and seasonal interest, while the pathway leads to seating areas that encourage movement and outdoor living. The design reflects the clients' wishes for a landscape that feels inviting, connected, and cohesive on every side of the home.

3D Rendering: Front and Side Yards with Boulders and PlantingThis 3D image, created by the designer, highlights the front entry and side yard perspective. New plantings frame the driveway and walkway, softening the approach to the home. Along the side yard, a stepping stone path winds through layered plantings of shrubs and perennials, leading toward the backyard. This view illustrates how the design carries a sense of connection and flow from the front to the back of the property, aligning with the clients' vision for an inviting and cohesive landscape.

3D Renderings: Visualizing the DesignThese detailed 3D renderings were created to help the clients visualize their redesigned landscape from multiple perspectives. The images include furniture, lighting, planting, and other elements to show how the space will look and feel once completed. The design emphasizes sustainability by re-using existing materials and incorporating low-water planting areas to create an environmentally friendly outdoor space. I also created a full walk-through movie of the design, allowing the clients to virtually experience the entire yard before construction began. While I can see the vision clearly in my head, renderings like these help clients fully understand the layout, flow, and atmosphere of the space—turning abstract ideas into something real and exciting while reflecting what the clients wanted for their home and lifestyle.

3D Rendering: Front & Side Yard DesignThis 3D axonometric view highlights the front and side yards, showing the carefully designed planting and hardscape that bring structure and warmth to the space. In the background, you can see the arched arbor marking the transition to the backyard, with the gravel walkway beginning there and guiding movement to the other the side yard. The composition emphasizes how the front and side areas connect seamlessly while inviting exploration beyond.

Conceptual Design PlanThis conceptual design plan, created by the designer, outlines the overall layout of the front yard, side yard, and backyard. It illustrates the placement of patios, pathways, planting areas, and focal points, providing a clear vision of how the spaces connect and flow together. The clients were so pleased with the initial design that they did not want to make any changes. After approval, the design was further developed into detailed plans that bring the vision to life with specific planting and material choices.