Sustainable Design for Your Garden

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Incorporating earth-friendly elements

In Bob Buchbinder and Lynn Pearson’s San Francisco backyard, gently curving paths link several stylish spaces—indoor, outdoor, and in between. Many of the materials are recycled; most of the plants need little in the way of care or even water. Design: James Pettigrew and Sean Stout, Organic Mechanics, San Francisco (organicmechanics.com or 415/567-6367)

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Rescued shed

To some eyes, this weathered structure would have been a teardown. With new windows and wiring, though, it’s now a backyard getaway.

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Low-water plants

Easy-care honey bush (Melianthus major) and a potted Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Saligna Aurea’) flank a small bench.

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Salvaged stone

The 16-foot-diameter patio is made of granite remnants—mostly dumpster finds—mixed with metal sewer caps and bricks.

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Found firepit

A 28-inch-diameter metal wok, turned into a wood-burning fire bowl, sits on a steel base made by one of the homeowners.

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Living roof

An arbor of recycled copper pipes, covered with passion vines, shades the nearly hidden dining area.

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Permeable paving

In the arbor-shaded dining area, Salmon Bay–colored pebbles let water seep into the ground rather than run off the property.

Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai

Wildlife-friendly fountain

This recirculating fountain ($795; asilvestri.com) provides fresh water for the butterflies and wild parrots that visit. Elegia capensis grows at left.

7 ways to design a sustainable garden

Incorporating earth-friendly elements

Rescued shed

Low-water plants

Salvaged stone

Found firepit

Living roof

Permeable paving

Wildlife-friendly fountain