Welcoming Courtyard: DIY Front Yard Transformation in Palo Alto

Michael Manneh turned an overgrown, weedy front yard into a cottage garden courtyard for his 1926 Palo Alto bungalow. With help from Stefan Offermann, they completed most work evenings and weekends to control costs, learning by trial and error.

From the Ground Up

The sloped property required drainage solutions: rototilled lawn, PVC conduit for lighting, drip irrigation, then a cement base topped with terra-cotta Saltillo tiles for the entry walkway. Extra soil raised the ground level flush with the sidewalk.

A 4-foot stucco wall encloses the courtyard, providing privacy without closing off the entry. Two subtle columns define the entrance. Inside, flagstone patios on either side of the walkway are interplanted with woolly thyme. Japanese maples anchor beds; layers of abutilon, geranium, lavender, nandina, and potato vine create a loose, cottage feel. Herbs in pots add interest. Drip irrigation maintains everything.

Large urns flanking the front door, lightly sanded for an aged look, hold chocolate-colored reeds echoing the door and window frames. The garden became a neighborhood gathering spot — friends and neighbors drop by for wine and barbecue late into the night.

Lessons from a DIY Remodel

• Gather information. Magazines, books, neighborhood drives, and opinions from friends/family inform the vision.
• Develop a nursery relationship. Knowledgeable staff save time and headaches. Manneh used Roger Reynolds Nursery & Carriage Stop in Menlo Park (650/323-5612).
• Install major elements first. Lighting, irrigation, hardscape — then plants last. "Adding plants is the fun part."
• Get help when needed. Precision work like hardscaping is best left to pros. Manneh hired a pro for the driveway.