Maximum relaxation, minimum maintenance: This goal guided every choice landscape designer Molly Wood made when renovating the backyard of this California beach house. Homeowners Lindsey and Scott Munro, along with their adult children, "wanted it to be easy," Wood recalls. "They wanted to live outdoors." They also wanted it to be livable—something it certainly wasn't when they purchased the property; it was overrun with weeds and cracked walkways. Here is how Wood transformed it into a resort-like destination—plus 8 ideas to steal for your own backyard.
1. Create Zones
Attached to an 800-square-foot home, the tiered backyard was designed to offer multiple zones for relaxation. The first level features an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit lounge, and a dining area; the second includes a bocce court and a swing chair. As groups of guests grow and shift, all the chairs are lightweight enough to be moved with ease.
2. Mix High and Low
Working within the family's somewhat limited budget, Wood relied heavily on affordable materials while incorporating a few luxury items. "You need a mix of Gucci and Gap," she quips.
In this instance, the "Gucci" elements in the fire pit area were the decking and the custom built-in bench (made of Ipe wood); the "Gap" elements consisted of poured concrete pavers and pea gravel ground cover. "Gravel creates a vibe. It’s very tactile—it feels good under your feet."
3. Choose Low-Water Plants
Instead of relying on flowers, Wood turned to the attractive foliage of various low-water plants to create visual interest throughout the yard. 'Blue Glow' agave and blue fescue were among her favorite additions for their contrasting color and texture. They require far less maintenance than most flowering plants (no deadheading necessary). Additionally, Wood notes, “The foliage color lasts all year round.”
Low-water groundcovers and succulents soften the edges of walkways. Bright green plants grown in pots enliven the entire yard. “They add a splash of brightness,” Wood says with a smile. “Those pops of green really stand out against a white house and all-white planters.”
4. Set Aside Space for Play
“Homeowners love spending time with family and friends in the backyard, and a little healthy competition on a Bocce ball court never hurts!” says Wood. Just as she did with other parts of the yard, she used redwood edging and low borders of plantings to give the Bocce court a distinctive look.
5. Incorporate Fire and Water
“I always say you need both fire and water,” Wood remarks regarding her garden designs. The yard featured two fire pits (gas-powered for safety)—one situated near the lounge area and another adjacent to the dining area. She also added a small water fountain within a limestone planter, providing both a visually cooling accent and a soothing soundscape. 6. Streamline the Cooking Area
The home's kitchen is situated just inside the French doors—so there was no need to spend a fortune on an elaborate outdoor cooking setup. The family opted for a grill and a small refrigerator, around which a wooden counter was built to create a cohesive, integrated look.
6. Streamline the Cooking Area
The home's kitchen is situated behind French doors—so there was no need to go overboard with an elaborate outdoor cooking area. Instead, the family opted for a grill and a small refrigerator, around which a wooden counter was built, creating a cohesive look.
7. Carve Out an Outdoor Shower
To rinse off after a day at the nearby beach, Wood installed an outdoor shower. Although not fully enclosed (a choice that helped save on costs), it is shielded on one side by a wall made of Ipe wood and on the other by a stand of low-growing trees and plants.
8. Hang a Grown-Up Swing
Wood considers the garden's star attraction to be a sprawling rubber tree, estimated to be at least 80 years old. She hung a swing chair from it and dressed up the space by installing a few woven lanterns from Serena & Lily—fixtures that automatically light up as the sun goes down.
0 Comments
Thanks