Projects
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Cupertino Hillside
The hillside gardens of this property were destroyed during an extensive remodel. Only a lone Redwood at the front of the property and a massive Live Oak on the hillside were saved. The clients wanted a modern look to complement the updated architecture. There is a seat wall and sand box in one of the side yards that can be turned into a patio area after the children are grown. A slide down the hill under the big Oak is a feature on the other side of the house. -
Palo Alto Mediterranean
The front of this historic home needed a complete planting refurbishment. The client desired a formal, green look without lawn or an abundance of flowers. The addition of olive trees was also a requirement. The olive trees were placed in groves well away from the entry in order not to obscure the handsome front door architecture. Layers of plants with different green leaf colors, sizes, textures and heights were chosen to add interest at the front door and to disguise the fact that the house sits lower than the sidewalk.
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Portola Valley
The existing house interior had beautiful, exquisitely detailed Japanese design elements. Julianne worked with the client and the architect to create an exterior worthy of the now remodeled interior, establishing garden spaces that complement the Japanese style architecture. We removed a dysfunctional pond and waterfall to create a peaceful and elegant garden area behind the house. The new entry design included a covered gate and fencing. New redwood decking throughout the project connected the house to the many garden ‘rooms.’ -
Palo Alto Andalusian
Complete re-design of rear and front gardens to complement the house architecture - an “Andalusian farm house.” In the rear, the design included new flagstone terraces and patios; an arbor designed to complement an existing structure at the house; plus a fountain and petanque court. The classic design elements of axis and counter axis were incorporated throughout. There is also a woodland garden under existing large oak trees. At the side/front raised brick planters were established for vegetables, using brick recycled from the former patio. This garden was featured as part of the annual tour to benefit Palo Alto’s Elizabeth Gamble Garden.
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Los Altos Hills Entry
This existing home lacked a defined entry. Guests often tried to enter the home via the rear garden gate. The entire entry area was redesigned to include entry posts at the existing driveway, a new walkway from the entrance at the driveway to the front door, and garden walls that define the front doorway entry patio. Julianne also designed a patio beyond the front entry so that the family could enjoy the hillside views and afternoon sun. Stone similar to the house walls was chosen for the garden walls. The new planting was made colorful and “deer proof;” and the lawn area was reduced.
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Los Altos Hills Pool
This project was a complete re-design of the rear garden to complement an existing pool and tennis court. The design included new flagstone landings, terraces, and walkways; pool decking and coping; a pool terrace and arbor. Dry laid terrace walls contained the hillside soil, solving a drainage problem, and creating beautiful form and planting opportunities. The client’s love of ornamental grasses was incorporated into the plant design. -
Small Garden Projects
In these small garden projects the lawn has either been reduced or eliminated. The colorful plantings chosen to replace the lawn are moderate to low water tolerant. Julianne worked with the clients to change tired, unattractive entry spaces into welcoming gardens that are good looking in all seasons. The installation of the fourth garden pictured took advantage of the City of Palo Alto’s “cash for grass” program. The planting and irrigation design complies with new low water use requirements. -
Before & After
Before & After photos of selected projects.