This yard needed to be both beautiful and bulletproof: the homeowners wanted the space to be attractive and inviting for adults, yet also accommodate their two active children and two energetic dogs. In conjunction with HGTV's "Landscape Smart," we created a style reminiscent of a high Sierra campsite. The show's contractor built our creek-less bridge concept to perfection, and even plumbed a birch log to fulfill our vision of a one-of-a-kind drinking fountain. Flowing sedges and ground cover beneath the bridge create the illusion of water with none of the danger. For a climbing feature that's fun for all ages, the contractor buried redwood posts on end in the lawn, and encircled the large play lawn with a path of hardened decomposed granite to accommodate skates and bikes as easily as soccer balls. Mayten trees along the back fence will grow to provide low screening of the neighboring rooftops, while tough plants such as Nandina, Miscanthus, and golden Coleonema will look good in the borders all year long. Butterfly bushes, a custom birdhouse, and a rebuilt glider bench with a personalized stencil image all ensure that creatures big and small will feel right at home in this remarkable yard. (Construction specifications and installation by others.)

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