Complete Backyard

Zen Garden

Greater Los Angeles Naturalistic

A boulder waterfall, a quiet patio and layered planting turned an ordinary rear yard into a garden built around the sound of moving water.

How this project came together

The challenge

Spa, decks, benches and concrete pads behind the house, with walkways and patios already in place. We recorded the open dirt, the planting zones and the tree positions along with the boundaries and fencing, which showed how a long, narrow yard was being used.

The design decision

The length of the yard became the point of it: a sequence of garden spaces with curved flagstone and decomposed granite paths moving you between them, and the spa and its seating at the middle.

The build

A cedar arbor, stone-lined spa and layered planting give the sequence its structure. A custom boulder water feature, trellised fencing and wood benches add privacy and something to look at. Ornamental grasses, shrubs and vines soften the hardscape, so you read the yard as a garden rather than a long run of paving.

The Design Process

From survey to buildable plan

Every project is measured, drawn, and approved before a shovel goes in the ground. These are the actual drawings for this property.

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Base Plan

This existing site plan documents the current layout and conditions of the property, illustrating the footprint of the main residence and associated outdoor structures, including the spa, decks, benches, and adjacent concrete pads.
The drawing identifies existing hardscape elements such as concrete walkways, patio areas, and deck surfaces, along with open dirt areas, planting zones, and tree locations that define circulation and usable outdoor space.
Property boundaries, fencing, and key site features are shown to establish scale and spatial relationships, while existing landscape elements and surface materials clarify how the yard is presently organized and accessed.
Overall, the plan provides a clear baseline of existing conditions to support future grading, landscape, and pool or spa design development.
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Conceptual Plan

This conceptual landscape design transforms the long, narrow yard into a sequence of inviting garden spaces centered around a spa and intimate seating areas.
Curved flagstone paving and decomposed granite paths guide circulation, connecting a cedar arbor, stone-lined spa, and layered planting zones.
A custom boulder water feature, trellised fencing, and wood benches add structure, privacy, and visual interest, while lush ornamental grasses, shrubs, and vines soften the hardscape.
Together, these elements create a cohesive, tranquil garden retreat designed for relaxation and informal outdoor gathering.

The Build

Built by our own crews

Excavation, grading, drainage, and hardscape, all handled in house, so there's one team accountable from the first drawing to the last plant.

Finished Project

Zen Garden in detail

18 photographs of the completed project.

Planning something like this?

We build Water Features, Patios & Hardscape and Planting across Southern California

Design, permits, materials, and construction are handled by one in-house team. A designer will walk your property, talk through what's realistic on your lot, and show you what the space can become.

Schedule a Consultation (818) 275-8271

Zen Garden