ornamental land design

(415) 496-6747 dianne@ornamentalland.com

Warm Welcome Outdoors: Full Space Redesign

This full-yard transformation creates a warm, inviting, and highly usable outdoor retreat. 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—creating 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.

Side Garden with Custom Trellis and Framing Greenery

This 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-Pattern

A 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 Arbor

This 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.

A Glimpse into the Garden Beyond

This 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 Meadow

This 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.

Meadow Details and and Reclaimed Flagstone

This 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.

Gravel Patio, Curved Arbor, and Emerging Meadow

This 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.

Connecting Spaces with Light and Texture

This 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.

Flowing Paths and Layered Planting

A 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 Hardscape

This 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 Fence

This 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 Point

Once 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.

Curated Outdoor Living: Front, Back & Side Yard Design

Warm Welcome Outdoors: Full Space Redesign

Curated Outdoor Living: Front, Back & Side Yard Design

This is a complete re-design of the entire property of a residence. They wanted an updated look that is drought-tolerant, provides areas for relaxation and entertaining, area for their dog, and a beautiful space that they want to spend time in.

Curated Outdoor Living: Front, Back & Side Yard Design

This sustainable landscape transformation integrates drought-tolerant native plantings, a serene meadow garden, and structured greenery for a balanced, elegant design. A spa, inviting entertainment spaces, and meandering pathways enhance livability, while a thoughtful lighting plan creates a warm ambiance. Functional needs are seamlessly addressed with a discreet enclosed area for trash, recycling, and yard equipment. Blending sustainability with beauty, this design offers a tranquil yet functional outdoor retreat.