Small space style

Pacific Palisades, California

The owners of this property wanted areas for dining, entertaining, and play in a long, narrow backyard overgrown with Ficus nitida trees. The designer's solution was to prune back the ficus hedge to open up the yard to light and create a series of sunny living spaces. Off the kitchen, he modified an existing deck and built a bench into it; in the side yard opposite the deck, he added a barbecue and serving counter.

A gravel dining patio, fireplace, and lawn fit neatly into the backyard. Plants in shades of green (a hedge of Westringia 'Morning Light', a Melaleuca incana tree, and a fringe of blue fescue) mingle with coppery orange ones ('California Gold' bougainvillea, Carex testacea, and Phormium 'Guardsman').

Design:  Rob Steiner, Los Angeles (323/931-4425)

NextMore Dream Garden winners