Backyard native garden — Noe Valley

The clients had a south-facing backyard with a lawn that hadn't been used in years. It was brown most of the summer, expensive to water, and not particularly comfortable to be in. They wanted something that felt more intentional — a garden that actually suited the climate.

We started with a full site assessment in early spring: soil test, sun tracking through the day, and a conversation about how the clients actually used (or wanted to use) the space. What came out of it was a design that prioritized year-round texture and color over flowers, since the garden could be seen from the kitchen window every day.

We removed the existing lawn and amended the soil before anything went in. The plant palette centers on California natives — manzanita, toyon, blue-eyed grass, and a few clumping grasses — with a simple decomposed granite path running through the center. A low boulder cluster anchors one corner. Everything is on drip.

The first spring after install, the manzanita bloomed early and the toyon was already putting on significant growth. The clients sent us a photo in March. We've stayed in touch and they're considering adding us to a maintenance plan going into 2025.