Framed by the canary-yellow petals of the ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia each spring, Magnolia is named after both the street name and the signature tree of this project. Grounded in a palette of native and adaptive Mediterranean plants, this naturalistic garden provides room for relaxation and outdoor entertaining for a young family. Designed in collaboration with Epic Design Studio, the architect and homeowner.

The front porch is enclosed by a courtyard garden that opens to a home office. High contrast blooms of Heuchera sanguinea, Achillea millefolium, Ribes sanguineum, and Salvia sclarea accentuate the material palette of red brick and off-white stucco used throughout the garden.

Rustic rail ties repurposed as steps add patina to the new construction. A black trough water feature provides a sense of calm and a water source for the songbirds and pollinators that frequent the garden.

The back garden center on outdoor entertaining with a central sunken fire feature inspired by 1970’s conversation pits. A lush perennial garden envelopes the outdoor dining area with an Argentine parilla and grill station off of the kitchen.

The plant palette in the back features Mediterranean stalwarts of Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta racemosa, and Lavandula angustifolia, with a backbone of native trees, shrubs, and perennials, including Salix exigua, Aquilegia coerulea, Betula occidentalis, and Penstemon strictus. The garden is a buzz with pollinators and hummingbirds throughout the spring, summer, and fall, the client’s favorite thing about the garden.