Kitchen and cutting gardens — North Livermore, CA

A drought tolerant perennial border can still look lush and beautiful.

Native plants and organic methods encourage beneficial insects to reside in your landscape.

Organic bulls heart tomatoes were over 7′ tall.

Evergreen meadow garden — South Livermore, CA

Drought tolerant woodland — San Jose, CA

Echeveria look beautiful year round and work well under the dappled shade on the south side of this home.

A curved seating wall surrounds the new patio.

After: A curved pathway leads to a new patio and shade loving perennials begin to soften the walls.

A new planting of Echeveria, Cordyline, and Birds of Paradise provide year round interest against the rich charcoal color of the home.

Hakone grass and Berkeley sedge work well in clay and provide a woodland feel.

Compacted, decomposed granite provides a path to the side yard and a firm surface between raised beds.

Heuchera ‘Peach Melba’ stays evergreen in our climate and brightens shady areas.

California native backyard — South Livermore, CA

A rain chain fountain was made with a unique pot.

Since the owner stopped spraying for pests, western fence lizards began to move in and nest in the irrigation boxes.

Container plantings add height and keep excess moisture away from foundations.