Mediterranean Courtyard with a Modern Twist in Los Angeles

Traditional Layout, Fresh Materials

The entry garden of Karyn Lovegrove and Peter Leak appears contemporary but follows traditional Mediterranean design: symmetrical layout, central fountain, gray-green foliage, violet-blue flowers, and sculptural containers. Designer Kathleen Ferguson gave it a fresh spin by using concrete blocks with stucco finish for the fountain, concrete tiles instead of stone pavers, and square concrete planters instead of terra-cotta urns.

Plant Palette

Clipped boxwood and ‘Tiny Tower’ Italian cypress fill the containers; fragrant lavender lines the perimeter—sweet lavender (Lavandula × heterophylla) on the sunny side, shade-tolerant ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’ opposite. The garden is a scented, textural haven with the sound of water.