In a new gated community in Novato, Landscape Nirvana was contracted to create a new front and side yards design. The canvas was blank and dry with heavy deer and turkey presence. The clients wanted a Japanese style landscape that felt natural, not heavily manicured like a classic Japanese garden. It had to be able to withstand the elements. The end result was a artful blend of beauty and resilience.
NOVATO HILLSIDE
After filling in an unused pool, the home owners wanted to realize their dream of a classic Japanese garden similar to what they've seen in their travels to Japan. We were brought in and created for them a Japanese garden that allowed them to enjoy their expansive views (shakkei) but also sit in the garden in all weather under their Chashitsu (gazebo) with the backdrop of a flowing stream and waterfall.
LOS GATOS HILLS
This property has been in the family for quite a while and had grown past its prime. Landscape Nirvana was contacted to refresh this large space and reimagine what it could become. Though the property was expansive, there was limited access and a lot of open weedy ground that was uninviting and unused. We created an extensive system of pathways and turned the large backyard into a four piece sculpture garden to accompany the one existing large sculpture. The result was a rich, vibrant landscape that allowed the homeowners to stroll the entire estate and provided additional seating areas to enjoy this special property.
PALO ALTO ESTATE
SAN JOSE AIKIDO DOJO
The renovation of this historic mission office building was to turn it into a modernized multi-use space. The architecture was beautifully designed with the main tennent an aikido dojo. The central garden courtyard was assigned to Landscape Nirvana to create a beautiful Japanese garden. Several options were presented and thanks to the amazing team that colaborated we were able to create this incredible work of living art. It is so gratifying to have our work and effort received so well. We are extremely proud of the outcome.
LOS ALTOS POOL PATIO
This Los Altos backyard face a few challenges that worked against the homeowners truly enjoying their backyard pool patio. First, they didn't have adequate shade. Los Altos summers are hot. Second, they had a corridor that funneled afternoon winds directly onto their ill-placed sitting area. Lastly, much of their backyard was under performing. Our solution was to install a extended patio with a handsome shade sail awning. Wind deflecting shrubs were placed within the breeze corridor as well as a decorative partition that created a calm zone where they could enjoy the greater backyard. The end result is a comfortable and beautiful backyard retreat.
LOS ALTOS BACKYARD RETREAT
This Los Altos backyard had good bones but lacked appeal. Its often tempting to crowd a small space with plants. In this case that would have worked against the peace and tranquility we were going for. Landscape Nirvana turned it into a peaceful environment with a refined and restrained plant scheme. As an added bonus, the client had a good artistic touch with her tasteful sculptures and lantern pieces. All in all, very Zen.
LOS ALTOS LOW MAINTENANCE YARD
The small front yard had grown well past its prime. Our client did her level best to keep up but the odds were stacked against her. Trying to manage a thirsty lawn, overgrowing plants and gophers is a lot for a working single. Her main goals were to create a low maintenance landscape that addressed her challenges. Our solution was to use natural decomposed granite and river gravel as weed proof ground cover while using it as a dynamic element defining bold, yet organic shapes. Though it was a small project, it still required creativity and imagination. She's received many compliments from neighbors.
SAN JOSE JAPANESE GARDEN
From what was a bare lawn backyard, a very distinctive Japanese style garden was envisioned. Most Japanese gardens include either actual water or a symbolic representation of water. In this case, the front yard had a large waterfall system so in back we opted for a dry garden (Karesansui). The end result was a very lively and dramatic backyard.
PALO ALTO BACKYARD
Originally a weedy backyard of this Eichler home, we came in with the charge to refresh and reflect the post-modernist style of the architecture. With young children and several dogs, there needed to be room to romp as well as natural beauty. We believe all elements came together quite well!
