Outdoor Living Garden

Casual, outdoor living is the hallmark of this west-facing garden. The rosy glow of sunset is captured in the warm tones of the foliage and flowers, and in the welcoming shades of the saltillo tile patio, boulders and stucco fountain. Soft grays and blues help to punctuate the effect.

Previously, the space had been beset by constantly wet soil and too much paving. We tore out the hardscape, revamped the drainage and installed new patios and flagstone paths. Rosenka bougainvillea, Little Gem magnolias and Bloodgood Japanese maples mask the walls, while billowy ornamental grasses and creeping ground covers form a tapestry of contrasting and complementary textures.

In a nod to the agricultural roots of Goleta — and with a scattering of field crops and groves within view in the distance — we installed a low, split-rail fence, relocated existing apple and plum trees, planted a Meyer lemon tree and filled large ceramic pots with an assortment of culinary herbs.

As for that beautiful fountain — what began as a simple concept to pair the homeowner’s verdigris wall fountain with a few succulents morphed into a fabulous focal point, complete with glazed Mexican tile, ceramic rope ribbons and shapely stucco planters that embrace an eclectic mix of succulents.