Mexican-Inspired Townhouse Garden in Scotts Valley: Stucco Wall, Blue Fountain, and Bougainvillea

Mexican-Inspired Townhouse Garden in Scotts Valley: Stucco Wall, Blue Fountain, and Bougainvillea

At the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Silicon Valley, this 430-sq-ft townhouse garden feels like a remote Mexican village. "Enchanting!" exclaimed a juror. "Great achievement for such a small space."

• Before: weed-infested, dilapidated 13×33-ft backyard. No rear access—all materials moved through house.
• New weathered stucco wall with aged wood-and-iron gate hides old fence; gate leads nowhere but reduces confinement.
• Colorful blue fountain with blazing bougainvillea is focal point from most rooms.
• "Day: bright sunny jewel. Night: magical light, shadows, scent." —Kathleen Shaeffer.

DESIGNER: Kathleen Shaeffer, Great Gardens, Santa Cruz, CA (831/423-7849)