Mediterranean Cottage
The front yard of this Menlo Park residence was previously flat, mostly lawn, and more straight lines than curves. Today it features softly winding, fully permeable paths in Connecticut Full Range stone pavers edged with moss rock boulder retaining walls. Orange was the main color guiding the planting design, found in the Abutilon along the foundation, Graptoveria hugging the paths’ edges, profusely flowering Cuphea ignea, and the spectacular fall foliage of the Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Chain Tree).
The back garden features an expansive brick patio with contoured edges and a stylish cross weave pattern. New fencing and a row of Podocarpus provide privacy, while an existing stacked-stone wall was reimagined with the addition of a hot tub artfully integrated into one section of the wall. Asian sculptures and murals from the homeowner’s art collection are tastefully seen throughout the garden — perfect for punctuating the sense of calm that is now undeniably felt in this landscape.