Small Spaces

We completed this beach-side jewel box earlier this summer. Since our office is not close to Balboa Island, the general contractor installed all the hardscape and left all the fun details up to us like the copper trellis, fountain and all the planting. 

 

Palms aren't usually part of our palette, but it seemed appropriate here - plus multi-trunked King Palms are pretty stunning.  

Conceptual sketch

 

Custom fountain incorporating Client's grandmother's lantern, collected beach shells and Topanga fossils (from our office) in a handmade copper basin. 

Summer Vacation Highlights: Boston & Cambridge, part II

Harvard Campus, Tuesday at noon

Fermob furniture scattered around 

children playing in Tanner Fountain by Peter Walker, Farmer's Market behind

Small Garden Spaces

A spacious garden can be hard to come by in many Southern California beach communities.  The lots are usually maximized to accommodate as much house as possible which means the remaining exterior space must be well designed, like a jewel box.  We installed this Venice project in early 2008.  The waterwall, lush with ferns, was meant to invoke the Santa Monica mountain canyon walls with their beautiful seeps and waterfalls.  It is a major focal point for the house; glimpsed from the front door then transformed into the dining area wall with a 12' long glass door. 

After

From the wood trellis on the adjacent wall hangs boxes which contain succulents and herbs, this helps to create a more usable, intimate space. 

Fountains for Birds

Birds are a large part of our Southern California gardens.  We have a plethora of native plants that attract them and if you design your garden correctly, you can have them around all year. But once they have their food, they will always appreciate some water (especially once the rains have stopped).  At our Topanga office, we have several different fountains which attract many visitors.  During the dry season, we have to fill them up on a daily basis. Hummingbirds and finches are the most common.  During the migratory season there are all different kinds of birds.  Occasionally, the mourning doves will come over, scare all the smaller birds away and take over the prime real estate of our largest fountain.  It's funny we haven't ever been able (or had the patience) to photo document the constant activity.  But one day, a few years ago during a particularly hot, dry summer, we had a very special, rare visitor, what we think was a juvenile Red Shouldered Hawk!  (Who subsequently ate our favorite squirrel, go figure!)

Hawk on Lava Fountain