The clients wanted to make better use of their front yard, creating space for lounging, growing food, and playing. The family of four had a concrete retaining wall in place and requested a deck and perennial garden be built within it, allowing them to “spill out” onto the deck from the front door, as they put it. With the front yard receiving full sun, we created an oasis of drought-tolerant perennials and grasses, along with a vegetable garden for the kids. The client, an interior designer herself, had a clear vision, and the process was highly collaborative—and a lot of fun! The plant palette’s emphasis is on texture and blue-green foliage, with an effortless, coastal vibe.

Photo credits: Megan McLellan, Jennilee Marigomen