As part of a large renovation of a Colonial Santa Rosa home, this project covers several areas of the expansive property. The backyard combines traditional materials with contemporary features. A natural, chemical free swimming pool anchors the rear courtyard, while across the pool lies a spacious , wisteria-covered pergola. In spring, fragrant white Wisteria blooms will hang down, contrasting with the dark-stained cedar, as their perfume lingers in the air beneath. The backyard is designed around axes and sightlines, with the center of the pergola marking the origin. The shape of the pergola, planters and brick detail is mimicked in the adjacent vegetable garden, where sturdy redwood boxes surround a tiered fountain.
A picket fence surrounds garden, keeping the dogs out and the chickens in. A large artificial turf putting green allows for recreation just outside the front door. Meanwhile, the patio outside the newly constructed barn combines both the contemporary style of the structure with the natural setting right outside. Boulders from on-site were used to retain slope behind the patio while a large, specimen boulder was selected and drilled to make a pondless water feature. As many of the boulders had already been above ground, after wet weather they spring to life, harboring green mosses and Polypody ferns. Flowering plants and the three water features attract birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife to the gardens throughout the year.