Garden Transformation-Walled Garden

Garden transformations come in all shapes and sizes. This one may be small in scale, but huge in change and beauty. The challenge was to transform this typical front yard into an oasis reminiscent of the English country side. And because we are in Santa Barbara it also needed to be drought tolerant. See how we accomplished total garden transformation.The client's late husband was born and raised in the western region of England which is famous for its stacked stone walls. The assignment was to create a garden reminiscent of the English countryside her husband loved so much. However, being in Santa Barbara, it also had to be low-water and low-maintenance. She also needed a new driveway and pathways, in other words this property was in need of a complete garden transformation.

Garden Transformation-Before and After

Constructing a stacked stone wall was the key to this transformation. The wall allowed the space to be cozy, beautiful and totally unique. We then created some desperately needed privacy. This before photo shows how exposed the house was. It reminds me of one of those dreams of being naked! The screening was accomplished by carefully placing larger Mediterranean shrubs such as Laurus nobilis (bay) and California natives like Arbutus marina in strategic spots then filling in with lower-growing perennials such as Mexican sage, Iceberg roses and rockrose. Planting in this way gives privacy without the need of a hedge. Hedges need clipping and we needed to create a garden that wouldn't require a gardener. The addition of Santa Barbara daisy in front of the wall added a bit of whimsy to the design.This garden transformation resulted in a colorful garden that is low-water and low-maintenance. The stacked wall reminds one of the western shores of England. The newly shaped entry path and driveway of brushed concrete were the perfect frame for this enchanting garden. By the way, here's what we mean by low-maintenance, we come in once every year or two to prune. There is no need for a gardener and the garden looks better and better as the years go by. If you'd like your own garden transformation schedule a free home garden consultation.