Garden details

When you have a substantial home surrounded by a small yard, it can be difficult to create the illusion of having an expansive garden and inviting spaces for outdoor living. Robyn and Dana Hogan and their son, Chad, encountered that problem when they moved into their home in Monarch Beach, California. "I wanted a garden that reminded me of the ones in Provence," says Robyn. "But French country homes are mostly horizontal and are surrounded by acres of land. Our home was mostly vertical, and there was hardly any yard left at all."

Fortunately, Robyn, an interior designer, had some creative ideas for both expanding the space and adding up-close interest. She hired Capistrano Beach, California, landscape architect Theresa Clark, and together they made great use of every precious inch of space that surrounded the house — front yard, side yard, and backyard.