Mediterranean Garden Remodel in Saratoga: Climate-Appropriate Design with Stacked-Rock Walls

Mediterranean Garden Remodel in Saratoga: Climate-Appropriate Design with Stacked-Rock Walls

Designer Chris Jacobson took cues from Spain for this Saratoga, CA garden remodel. Judges praised the climate-appropriate design: grasses, lavenders, rosemary, and other Mediterranean plants suit Northern California's dry summers. Stacked-rock walls, decomposed granite and flagstone paths, and subtle water features give a soft, earthy look.

• Before: wide concrete path to nowhere, neglected plants, deserted aqua spa.
• After: land reconfigured into berms; spa became black-bottomed pond with urn fountain and watercourse.
• Existing plants retained or relocated.
• "Wouldn't you just love to be sitting there?" said one judge.

Designer: Chris Jacobson, Gardenart, San Francisco and Los Gatos, CA (415/664-5913)