There was a total blank slate! Just gravel, weeds, and a beautiful view of the desert.

Step one was to extend the concrete slab into a beautiful curved patio to soften the hard edges of the house and blend the home into the gorgeous desert view beyond. Plants along the block walls are more dense and tropical with Hop Bush and Orange Jubilee Tecoma. This helps reduce reflected heat and bring loads of beauty. Plants along the iron fence are more feathery and/or low growing. Muhly grasses, Desert Lavendar, Anacacho Orchid Tree, Cleveland Sage, Desert Willow, Chuparosa, Milkweeds, and San Marcos Hibiscus. We fill in with blooming ground covers. Mexican Evening Primrose, Penstemon, Butterfly Mist, Chocolate Flower, Hesperaloes, and Coral Fountain. There already were some volunteer plants like Brittlebush and Desert Marigold so we carefully worked around those during installation. 

There are a few edibles for fun like a Valencia Orange Tree, Grapevine, and Rosemary. These are all positioned near the patio roof gutter and downspout that we pull away from the house so the higher water plants are supported by simple passive rainwater collection. 

The mulch will cool the area while building soil fertility, and the rocks bring in some more texture and interest. The grandkids will have fun exploring the rocks and flowers, texture of the plants, and eventually, the fruit. Everything is supported by a new drip irrigation system. 

My favorite part was seeing how giddy my client was as everything came together on the last day. There were already visitors popping by before we had even wrapped up. There’s nothing better than creating something beautiful to be enjoyed that also tends to the ecosystem.