Side-Yard Makeover: Two San Jose Spaces Transformed for Living

Side Yard 1: Journey Through Flowers

Samantha and Joel Mier transformed a 14x35-foot side yard from a straight cement driveway into a meandering 30-inch aggregate concrete path with blooming borders—daylilies, lamb’s ears, penstemon, society garlic, hot pink verbena, Shasta daisies, Peruvian lilies. The curve makes the narrow space feel broader. A spacious patio at the front allows viewing the whole garden; a Dutch door with arbor marks the entry; a crape myrtle at the back transitions to the backyard.

Side Yard 2: Room for Work and Play

The other side yard had a hulking tree removed. Samantha built five raised beds (~60 sq ft) for herbs and vegetables, leaving lawn for kids' play structures visible from the kitchen. The kids use it as a science lab for compost, nutrients, beneficial insects.

Tips for Designing a Side Yard

• Gather ideas. Walk around, ask about plants.
• Create curves. Winding path makes narrow space feel less like a bowling alley; brick bands break up the path.
• Limit your palette. Stick to a color scheme (purple, pink, yellow, white) to avoid messiness.
• Stay on top of maintenance. Spend ~1 hour/week weeding, deadheading, trimming encroaching plants.