Garden Retreat in Los Altos
Backyard designed for ease, sunlight, and time well spent among blooming borders.
Lush, drought-tolerant plantings and natural flagstone paths transform this compact yard into a serene, purposeful sanctuary.
Client
Private residence
Location
Los Altos, CA
Year
2025
Project Overview
After moving from a sprawling 1.5-acre property, the homeowners—an active, garden-loving couple and empty-nesters—sought to create a Los Altos backyard that would feel both abundant and manageable as they plan to age in place. Every square foot needed to be functional, inviting, and beautiful, with an eye toward long-term comfort and accessibility.
The landscape was shaped with layered, drought-tolerant planting beds bordered by warm flagstone. Flowing paths guide movement through the garden, dappled with the light of mature oaks overhead. Edible beds, brimming with seasonal greens and companion plantings, offer a daily harvest and hands-in-the-soil joy. A sitting area with a bench and table catches the morning light—offering a quiet place to pause, read, and take in the seasonal blooms.
At the front of the home, golden blooms and native textures spill over natural stone walls, offering a vibrant welcome that speaks to place and season.
Key Improvements
Elevated Garden Beds Wood-framed raised beds near the kitchen bring herbs and vegetables within easy reach—inviting everyday gardening and seasonal harvests.
Pollinator-Friendly Plantings A companion planting palette attracts bees and butterflies while offering texture, softness, and seasonal color throughout the year.
Natural Stone Hardscaping Wide flagstone paths create seamless transitions—inviting slow walks and supporting aging in place with grace.
Installed Sitting Nook A bench and table tucked into a sunny corner offer a daily invitation to pause and enjoy the garden’s changing light and life.
Smart Infrastructure Low-voltage lighting and point-source drip irrigation ensure the garden thrives with minimal upkeep and water use.
Result
This backyard now offers the couple a garden they can live with and love— designed to support their daily rhythms and future needs without ever feeling constrained.
By pairing timeless materials with a thriving ecological planting scheme adapted to Los Altos’ climate, the space delivers year-round pleasure, deep connection to nature, and peace of mind.
Project Gallery
