A Touch of Old Mexico: Low-Maintenance Garden in Stucco Home

Don Steinman and Ruth Greenspan wanted a low-maintenance backyard extension of their 1920s stucco home decorated with Mexican tile murals. Designer Trutza created an old Mexico feel. An old cramped patio was replaced with a larger ramada-covered patio at the garden’s back, shifting visual focus. Used brick in herringbone and running bond patterns covers patio and walkways, directing the eye. Mature cactus from the original garden were transplanted into a miniature botanical garden wrapping the east side. The rest is desert-adapted plants. A spa with waterfall sits in front of the patio.