Deck with a View: Elegant Small-Space Solution on a Budget

Brian Sullivan, horticultural supervisor at Descanso Gardens, proves a small space and modest budget can yield a great backyard. His 736-square-foot sloping yard near South Pasadena was "too small and sloping to be at all useful" as lawn.

Now an elegant Mangaris wood deck sheltered by a redwood arbor overlooks a wide, terraced path flanked by lush planting beds. Sullivan spent approximately $8,000 ($7,000 for deck materials and labor; he installed the path himself). Cemented risers support the terracing, but flat flagstones are simply set in sand — saving cost and allowing future layout changes. "Considering the nature of my job, I knew I needed to build in that flexibility."

Four Great Ideas from This Garden

1. Design for comfort. 222 square feet dedicated to deck for dining and lounging.
2. Use sweat equity wisely. Hire pros for skilled work (deck/arbor); DIY what you're comfortable with.
3. Squeeze two seasons into one space. Cut back elephant's ear in late winter just as calla lilies emerge.
4. Limit the palette. Home's grayish-green paint harmonizes with foliage; red flagstone and bronze coleus pick up trim colors; variegated foliage echoes cream trim.