Designing space for dining, relaxation, barbecuing and entertaining, softscape plays a crucial role in blending surrounding trees with natural-looking new additions that feel as if they’ve been there all along. Working with Mindful Construction, Inc. on this project to reimagine a disconnected back yard.

Existing highlights: California Pepper Trees and Incense Cedar provide soft screening between the neighboring arboretum. Overlooking this incredible nature park, the home’s back yard has borrowed views of Palm, Eucalyptus and many other trees that are part of the 45 varieties included in the public space. Having gated access to such a beautiful space beyond the back yard comes with happy wanderers enjoying the trails that meander thru the park.

Proposed plant material highlights: Soft subtle screening between the new fire pit area and the open space. Native ground covers to offer erosion control on the hillside, with foliage and blooms that blur the line between natural and curated spaces. Grass alternatives that are no mow but provide swaths of green in the newly designed outdoor living spaces. Foliage chosen for texture, movement and sheen + dense swaths of purple hues when in bloom March-October.

Below are some before photos of the property + 3D renderings (All images via Mindful Construction, Inc.) Stay tuned for updates on the transformation of this space…

Concord, California Zone 9b

Plants: anacardiaceae, cupressaceae, iridaceae, … more details to come as the landscape design is finalized