Double duty built in seating in action. The semi circular stone bench functions as seating for the fire pit area and is also a retaining wall for the newly constructed upper garden level!

 

Functional Landscape Design:

Many homeowners start their landscape construction projects in the fall and winter in Los Angeles so that they can be “outdoor living and entertainment ready” for the summer.

 

If you have visions of hosting crowds that are bigger than your outdoor furniture can accommodate, you should seriously consider incorporating built in seating into your landscape.

The beauty of built in seat walls is that they serve a variety of functions.

 

 

My raised vegetable garden planter is both garden and furniture!

 

Double Duty Raised Vegetable Gardens

My kitchen garden is conveniently located across from the cooking area so that I can pluck fresh herbs and vegetables for my dishes  and entertain my guests while I cook.

Who wants to be alone when they are grilling?

I have a bar counter near the BBQ that seats two people, but my raised planter can seat ten more!

I love how I don’t have to rent dozens of chairs for my get togethers.

As a designer, it also gives me great pleasure to see people congregate in the areas that I designated for seating.

 

 

Seat walls should be 18″ tall for comfortable seating

 

Another benefit of the seat wall in my  outdoor kitchen area is that  it caps a raised planter for my vegetable garden.

The native soil in my yard is clay and deficient in nutrients making a raised garden bed ideal.

I don’t toil to prepare my soil for planting!

I just fill my raised garden planter  with my favorite soil blend, (Kellogg’s Patio Plus ) and plant away.

Weeds are not a problem in my garden.

 

Built in Patio Seating

 

Built-in seating near a fireplace is practical.

In this patio it also functions as a screen.

 

The  stone bench separates the spa area in the master bedroom retreat from the rest of the patio!

 

Privacy Screens and Seating

 

Built in seating can also be used to separate areas of your patio and create different rooms and destinations.

The long narrow patio runs  the span of the back of my house.

I built the arched bench to create privacy and carve out a separate master retreat area with a “hidden” spa.

Now my husband can take a dip while I have tea with my girlfriends on the other side!

I’ve ever done this, but I could if I wanted to!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Construction by award-winning California landscape contractor,  Southern California Landscape, master stone masons and builders 818.834.7241.

 

More Resources:

Planning on adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard?

Read about important considerations so that your new addition is functional, practical and beautiful.

EdenMaker.TV #3

One of the most significant projects my design partners at Southern California Landscape and I proposed for our clients, the Grinbaum family of Calabasas, California was the complete renovation of their  pool and deck areas.

I can't believe how far we've come in just a few short weeks- it is truly an extreme pool makeover!

 

Before- My clients did not like the formal style of  the pool so we came up with a design plan to modify the shape and look of it.

 

The pool looked fine but it was not the free flowing natural style that my clients favored.

The real problem with the pool area  was small deck.

The deck  felt cramped and seemed to be squeezed between the house and the hillside retaining wall behind the pool.

In order to expand the deck, we were  going to have to move a mountain for the Grinbaums and with the help of some heavy machinery, we did!

 

"My other car is a bobcat!"

Design Tip: In a natural landscape design, consider using boulders or stacked natural stone  over block walls for retaining walls when possible. There are many different varieties of stone available, so look for local stone for best price and to keep the look of your landscape consistent with the surrounding area.

 

Homeowner, Joe Grinbaum gives me a taste of my own medicine as he photographs me photographing him in front of the newly cut hillside.

We pushed the hillside wall back and gained about ten feet of deck space!

 

Watch this short video for more great before and after photos of this extreme pool makeover!

 

We replaced the pavers with three-inch-thick, over sized flagstones that were set in mortar and fashioned steps from them.

The flagstone deck will feature crevice plantings to encourage storm water to percolate through the soil instead of running  off into the street.

A drain will collect excess water.

We played it safe and dragged out the patio furniture that will be used on the deck to ensure generous traffic ways and room for the furniture.

No more congested areas for the Grinbaums!

 

Design Tip: Set pavers, flagstone and brick in sand instead of a cement slab to discourage water runoff. The above elements must be thick enough to withstand foot traffic and pressure from weather changes so that they do not crack.

 

The new flagstone deck is large enough to accommodate lounge chairs, a dining table and some beautiful pots!

 

Design Tip: Opt for low-growing ground covers to fill crevices between flagstones. Grass generally does not do well planted in small strips and dries out easily from the radiant heat of the flagstone.

Elfin thyme, sedums and other low water plants are preferable.

 

After- The Grinbaums now have a beautiful, "almost new" natural-style pool of their dreams!

I can't wait to plant, but I have to wait for the rest of the construction to be completed.

 

Updated Photos!

 

'

After- It was worth pushing back the hill to make room for a sunny lounge area!

 

After- The pool and new deck area were treated to rustic natural stone, "Sweetwater."

 

Over-sized flagstones were carefully selected for the steps.

Notice the natural radius and "jagged" face of the stone!

 

After- We fashioned a more natural style pool to the delight of the homeowners!

 

After- Soft, billowy ornamental grasses and well-behaved trees ( no aggressive roots) were planted along the perimeter of the pool to soften the edges and compliment the natural style.

Elfin thyme was planted between the flagstone crevices. Low water, low maintenance plants were used throughout the yard.

 

If your pool is not your style, consider a cosmetic makeover for it.

All you need is a good plan and some talented craftsmen…I know the best crew!

 

If you missed the previous update in the Villa Garden series, "Creating a Sunset Patio Garden," go here.

Eden Maker TV  Post #2

The Villa Garden landscape project for my clients, the Grinbaum family of Calabasas, California is forging ahead at a great pace.

One of the design elements, the new patio off of the formal dining room is almost complete.

 

 

Before: This paved pass-through area is the future site for an open-beam patio. In order to make this area more accessible, a double french door will replace the large window on the right to provide access to the site from the formal dining room.

We are calling this the "sunset" garden patio because of its orientation to the west.

Design Tip: Create new useful areas in your yard by replacing windows with doors. Most people avoid using patios that don't have direct access from the house.  

 

All of the pavers in this area were carefully removed and stored in a safe place for later use.

Although we are introducing flagstone as a flooring element in other parts of the yard, we decided to reuse the pavers in the patio areas and acid stain them a more "earthy" color to compliment the natural stone.

 

Design Tip: Setting pavers in a sand base instead of a concrete pad eliminates excess water runoff as the water is absorbed into the ground. There are many styles and colors of pavers to choose from.

 

 

The 4" inch by 4" inch steel columns help carry the load of the patio wood beams.

Notice all the foundation work is deep in the ground and secured with rebar

. Much of the work involved in creating patios is underneath the ground where no one will ever see it, except the workers and inspectors!

Once the foundation is in, construction moves quickly.

The steel columns will be wrapped with hollow, stone textured columns to give the design a finished look and tie it to the architecture of the house.

Design Tip: Structural steel posts have the advantage over wood because of reduced maintenance, durability and strength.  They can be painted and used "as is" but look better wrapped with a wood veneer or column depending on your architectural style.

 

.

Charlie, of Charlie's Construction provided a few different stain color samples for us to review. It is a good idea to create a side by side color sample on the wood that will be used so you get a true color saturation reading.

 

Can you guess which color we chose?

 

Design Tip: Always use outdoor grade lumber for patio construction like this Douglas Fir beam. Wood stains range from clear to opaque and in-between. Milk paint is also an option if you are looking for an eco- friendly alternative. Traditional paint offers more color variety, but requires more upkeep due to paint chipping.   

 

Pre-stained beams are ready to be hung. (We chose the darkest color- "Oxford Brown")  

 

The 6" by 12" inch header goes up first, followed by the smaller, 6" by 10" inch beams.

This labor intensive work requires care and should only be preformed by licensed and bonded contractors.

 

Design Tip: There are hundreds of decorative cuts that can be used on the end of the beams. If there is existing wood work in your architecture it's a good idea to match the detailing  when creating new wood elements

 

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The patio beams are up and we're now chalking out the patio edges and walkway areas.

Homeowner Joe Grinbaum (right), walks the future patio area as project foreman for Southern California Landscape, Eddy Martinez looks on.

Once the perimeter area is confirmed, an edging will be installed and soil dug out to make room for a sand base and the pavers.

The Grinbaum's are almost ready to party in this once-neglected and unused area.

 

  Design Tip: It is helpful to have your outdoor furniture selected before patio completion so you can set it out and make sure you have comfortable traffic space and ample patio area.  

 

 

View of the new patio from bottom of the hill. 

You can see the boulder retaining walls we built to support the area that was built up to expand the patio area.

 

After- A mediterranean garden flourishes along the perimeter of the generous-sized patio!

 

After- Potted plants and strategically placed furniture are employed as "space dividers" in the long patio.

Long patios benefit from "space planning" and the  creation of a series of smaller intimate areas.

 

After- The patio is nestled within a fragrant and cheerful garden, full of Mediterranean plants, Citrus trees and colorful vines.

 

Mission accomplished!

 

 

Visit us again at EdenMaker.TV for more "nosey neighbor" updates on the building of "Villa Gardens."

 

Read the previous update.    

Whether I’m designing a landscape for my clients in Los Angeles or for a family on garden makeover  television, one thing remains the same- the neighbors are always curious about what is going on  ”next door,” so I started EdenMaker.TV!

EdenMaker.TV will feature video, photos and progress notes of my real world landscaping projects to satisfy the curiosity of my client’s friends, family and “nosey neighbors!”

It’s my hope that while peeking into these projects, viewers will take away design ideas, problem solving tips and get an inside look at the effort involved in creating a dream landscape. It’s dirty work! Literally!

You will also meet some of Los Angeles most talented landscaping professionals, like the award winning design/build firm of Southern California Landscape who I partner with to create these outdoor sanctuaries.

   

Look for updates on my current project, the Villa Gardens on  EdenMaker.TV.  

 

Before: This architectural Tudor was not living up to it's potential!

 

 

After: Edible front yard knot garden, neat and delicious!

 

I think more people would trade in their front yard lawn for a beautiful and bountiful edible garden if the edible garden were neat looking.

No one wants to come home to a living "misto salad" where wayward zucchini vines tangle and topple over tomato plants!

A "knot garden" design is a great way to add structure to an edible garden and keep plants in their place.

Knot gardens were popular in Victorian times where hedges were clipped in interesting shapes to create artistic and intricate patterned garden beds.

Take a look at what Michael Glassman and I designed for homeowner, Susan Yackley who longed to replace her lawn with a gourmet garden!

 

 

The first step was to remove lawn, shape the garden beds and create a gravel walkway and sitting area.

 

 

We annexed the parkway to carry the knot garden design to the curb.

 

 

  We edged with pavers to punctuate the straight lines of the herb hedges and filled the beds with other  culinary plants.

 

The pavers will serve as a visual guide for keeping the hedges in their place.

The parkway plants can be shared with neighbors.

 

 

We planted two espaliered apple trees and constructed this lightweight fence to support them.

This created a "living screen" that  marks the boundary between Susan and her neighbors house. 

 

 

The knot garden is taking shape.

 

 

We installed drip irrigation and used risers to elevate the spray nozzles.

 

 

 We added a bench to the gravel sitting area.

Notice how the pattern on the bench brings out the diamond paned windows!

We added some design details and focal points.

 

 

 

An entry arbor planted with pink jasmine and Hardenbergia

 

 

A matching pair of "living salad bowls" flank the arched entry and serve as focal points in the garden beds.

 

 

The edible knot garden is complete!

The homeowner was very emotional when she saw the completed work.

She worked along side us for two days and earned the right to enjoy the "fruits of her labor."

 

Curious how it all ended up?

Watch this short video clip of the reveal.

Here is a list of some of the edibles Susan gets to enjoy and you can see photos of all the plants on my web site.

 

 

 

Trees	Features
Eugenia myrtifolia (three-tier topiary)	White flowers, edible "cherries"
Apple  "Beverly Hills" for espalier	Small fruit, early ripening date
Knot Garden Hedges
Rosmarinus officianales  "Tuscan Blue"	Use for cooking, medicinal tea  to  increase energy and improve memory
Myrtus compacta variegata	Evergreen dwarf form. Fragrant for flower arrangement
Teucrium chamaedrys	Attracts bees for pollinating your garden, lavender/pink flowers. Fragrant
Shrubs/Perennials
Leptospermum scoparium "Gaiety Girl" (small accent trees)	Evergreen with flowers, early New Z     ealand settlers soaked leaves to make tea substitute.
Leptospermum scoparium (shrub form)
Lavandula stoechas "Quasti"	Fragrant ,dark purple flowers, attracts butterflies.
Lavandula multifida	Fragrant, grey-green foliage, deep blue flowers. Dry for potpourri, flavor water.
Salvia greggii "Lipstick"	Aromatic folliage, attracts hummingbirds, use in cooking and sore throat gargle.
Armeria maritima "Cottontail" white	Profuse white blooms extends all year in mild climates.
Groundcovers
Chamomille nobile	Essential oil for relaxing. Tea made from dried flowers
Thymus (Creeping Elfin Thyme)	Used for seasoning, pot pourri
Mentha r. (Corsican Mint)	Can be invasive. Use as aromatic filler between stepping stones
Strawberry "Sequoia"	Large dark red fruit, sweet tasting, long fruiting season, good in most zones
Vines
Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine)	Fragrant, evergreen, pink flowers late winter/early spring
Hardenbergia (Lilac vine)	Evergreen, lilac blooms late winter/early spring. Nice alternative to wisteria
Garden Police "Urn Salad Bowl" Collection
White flowering cabbage	Foliage is edible raw or cooked
Artichoke	Edible
Viola (pansies)	Flavoring
Onions
Mustard "Osaka purple"
Swiss Chard "Brite Lites"
Nastursium "Tip Top Alaska"	Flowers, edible add to salad
Knot Garden Herbs
Italian Basil	Culinary herb, fresh or dry
Italian Parsley	Culinary herb, in cold areas, plant in spring after last frost
Greek Oregano	Culinary herb, use as ground cover, hanging baskets

 

 

If you want to read a very detailed account of this edible front yard makeover, read this blog post!