“Serene Outdoor Living Amongst the Oaks”
Residential Category Over $100,00
Project Location: Novato, CA

BEFORE: The 1,200 sq. ft. natural setting is comprised of level areas and varying slopes with lovely views of distant hillsides. Old, tired plants and several unstable hardscape elements were present. The site combines full sun and shady areas that transition to dappled shade beneath mature Oaks.

The side pathway employs travertine stepping stones set amid gravel. Gravel was used in other pathways/areas and transitions to natural mulched pathways below the Oaks.

Plants were chosen to thrive under the Oaks with minimal irrigation in summer; some were chosen to visually echo the natural surroundings and tones seen in the distant hillsides.

Concrete retaining walls were stained to complement the stone, stairways, and pathways with a combination of stone and gravel, providing fluid transitions from one area to the next.

The design goal was to complement the architecture of the home, address the environment, and protect the ecosystem below the Oak trees. Stained retaining walls and travertine steps lead up to patio areas.

Low-voltage lighting highlights the trees, creates a wonderful ambiance, and provides a measure of safety.

The plant palette combines site-appropriate natives and plants from other Mediterranean regions, succulents, flowering plants, and others that provide year-round appeal.

The plants were chosen to complement the natural environment and provide biodiversity and an ecosystem for birds, bees, and butterflies. Note the gorgeous succulent bowl.

The painted galvanized troughs for edibles were located on the sunny side of the property. Painting these a uniform color enhances their integration into the design.

Photographs by Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

JUDGES' FEEDBACK: This project is dreamy. From the layout of the hardscape, use of space, multiple levels, how the space is integrated with the oak trees, combined colors of the hardscape, furnishings, plants, and sensitively lit at night—this project has it all. With an established site canopy, ground layer development is the key to function and forms. The constructed surfaces and forms float well in the spaces. A cable railing on the new deck opens up this space to its surroundings. Love the plant palette; plantings are ordered as to light and aspect. This composition will mature and fill in the gaps.

ABOUT EILEEN KELLY: An honored recipient of an APLD 2021 Silver Award and 2020 Gold Award, Landscape Designer Eileen Kelly creates unique landscape and garden designs and thoughtful sustainable solutions from hardscape to softscape that compliment the lifestyles and outdoor living experiences for homeowners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. With a focus on year-round beauty and appeal, Dig Your Garden specializes in designing landscapes and drought tolerant gardens that incorporate Mediterranean plants, Succulents and California Natives. Owner, lead designer, Eileen Kelly, located in San Anselmo, designs every garden to flourish throughout the seasons with color and texture, and incorporates eco-friendly techniques and resources. Creative alternatives to lawns or minimizing them, is a popular offering that includes low-water plant alternatives and creative hardscaping ideas.
Dig Your Garden Landscape Design was formed in 2004. Located in San Anselmo, CA.
Eileen also provides landscape consulting services.