Design Goals:

  • Replace existing sod with drought-tolerant green alternatives

  • Create edible + medicinal gardens, including a greenhouse for propagation

  • Create multiple entertaining areas for large (50-100+) person gatherings: an outdoor fireplace, dance patio, + kitchen

  • Integrate large sculptures + art; create lush areas with bright colors

Saratoga Garden Oasis

Ecological garden design installation bay area sonoma california native plants

A 10,000 sq ft lot becomes a botanical oasis with multiple different sensory habitat gardens. The front yard lawn is transformed into a pollinator garden with drought-friendly fescue meadows and walkable kurapia groundcovers. Walk over into the sunny-side garden for a culinary haven of raised veggie beds, fruit + citrus trees, medicinal herb spiral, and a greenhouse that provides the opportunity for homegrown taste experiences throughout the year.

Enter the backyard, where natural colors provide a soft backdrop for pops of purple, red, and bright orange throughout. Artisanal dry stack stone walls of contrasting earthy oranges and greens elegantly rim the lush, native garden beds and large, open dry-set patio. The centerpiece of the backyard is a sunken artisanal stone, ipe wood seating + copper gas fire pit, perfect for cozy reflection or making memories with loved ones. Multiple fountains create sensory relaxation and havens for birds and wildlife to gather. Finally, an outdoor kitchen with lighting and speakers completes this entertainer’s delight. Another vibrant zen garden connects to the guest quarters to extend the experience for all who visit. 

Project Ecological Benefits:

  • Culinary garden for homegrown food + medicine

  • Drought-friendly lawn alternatives

  • Dry stack + set stone work for water permeability + reusability

  • Native + pollinator plants

  • Repurposed materials

  • Rock walls provide habitat crevices for lizards + bugs

  • Owl boxes for gopher mitigation