This Oakland Hills garden spans a quarter of an acre with a steady incline. Previously it was a tangled mess of Scotch broom, cotoneaster, and weeds. The livable areas were divided into extended terraces to make the garden highly usable. We created space for a bench/step combination and barbecue area outside the kitchen door. The steps lead to a small landing outside the master bedroom with a heated bench and a shade-providing pergola. A screen of salvaged wood posts creates a sense of entry into the main gravel patio area of the garden. A large botanical mural by Daniel Velasquez adds art to the otherwise muted vertical plane of the house. A large floating beam bench intersects with steps and a concrete landing that lead up to the hillside meadow. Concrete steps formed in the spirit of railroad ties help the visitor span the hill but also act as sculptural elements in the meadow and work around the existing oaks. The steps lead to walk-in caged raised vegetable beds with a narrow deck shaded by the oaks that provides a platform to see the amazing Oakland view. The dining area has a backdrop of the veggie cages, drought tolerant plants, and open hogwire fencing so the garden feels open to the oaks and hillside beyond.
Photography 2023/2024 © Caitlin Atkinson