September Project of the Month

The clients' main request for the landscape for this modern home in Atherton, CA, was to provide plants that would add vibrancy, color, form and texture to complement the house. The palette draws from both California natives and other Mediterranean plants, including many from Australia. Here, the purple leaves of the Agonis and the orange flowers of Anigozanthos 'Orange Cross' both complement and provide an engaging entrance to the home.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' underplanted with Festuca 'Elijah Blue' makes a pleasing contrast in this patio area. The festuca then pairs with Aeonium 'Atropurpureum' and Phormium 'Sundowner.'

Another view of the patio. While the garden is work in progress, Lefkowits has taken a "team approach" in conjunction with the landscape contractor, the gardener, the arborist, the pest management expert and of course, the owners. "We've planted using worm castings, organic compost and kelp-based fertilizers," she notes. "The gophers that have been visiting are now being trapped, and an owl box is being installed for further control."