Fireproofed & lawnless

Winner: Renovation

Years after an Oakland firestorm ravaged their lot, the owners of this garden decided they wanted a yard to match their rebuilt modern home. So they opted for a patio of bluestone pavers, crushed rock, and low groundcovers, edged with a sinuous concrete seat wall—and contained fire burns in a custom firepit of Cor-ten steel.

Why it won:

• Mod materials. Crushed drain rock adds a contemporary edge to bluestone pavers.
• Groundcovers. Irish moss, creeping thyme, and chamomile soften the rock.