Renee Walter: Backyard

 Renee's fountain is the focal point of the backyard. One sees the fountain from the moment you enter into the house. Looking through the living room your view is framed with the planters on the patio to the fountain. Renee wanted a backyard that would be functional for entertaining as well as a place to sit and enjoy a good book or a glass of wine with friends. She was looking for a Mediterranean inspired garden. Many of the Mediterranean plants grow very well in our dry, arid climate. Jacaranda, rosemary, olives, citrus, agapanthas, plumbago, oleander, aloe and agaves, roses, germander, lavender and ice plants were some of the plants chosen to represent that look and feel. Most of the bloom colors reflect different shades of blues and whites. With that ,we were able to create that Mediterranean get away in this Biltmore area home. 

Before

After removing the shrubs along the fence, a lemon tree was planted in the back corner. Aloe Vera plants were planted in a rock scape drainage area. The remaining area was planted with Mexican Sage, butterfly bush, blue hibiscus and a multi-trunk Roebelini palm.  A red oleander  was added on the opposite side of the fountain to hide the fountain pump. Vinca, germander, trailing rosemary and chocolate flower were added to fill in open spaces. (The chocolate flower is a drought tolerant plant, with a flower as the name says, has a chocolate scent in the early morning and evening. A daisy looking flower, yellow with a brown center.)

After

Aloe Vera plants added to the rock scape drainage.

Before

The plants were removed  and  a Jacaranda tree was added along with trailing rosemary, germander a Roebelini multi trunk palm, blue hibiscus, purple butterfly bush, agapanthas and mexican sage. The red bougainvillea growing behind the fence add a nice contrast color for the blue and purple blooms. The Jacaranda tree flanks one side of the trickling fountain.
After

Before

All shrubs were removed along with an over sized Mesquite tree.  Large Cherry Laurels were planted to buffer the unit next door. Black Night Butterfly bushes were added behind the Laurels to hedge against the wall. Rosemary, Sage, Blue hibiscus, vinca, trailing germander and chocolate flower were added to fill in the space. A blue agapantha was added to a pot in a stand. The variety of blooms attract butterflies and some bees. 

After
Before


Looking from the side walkway into the back before removal of rock and plants.
After

With the addition of flagstone steps, a walk path was added. In between the steps, germander and miniature ice plant was planted. Hidden behind the wall is a large Star Jasmine on a trellis and a 24" box Jacaranda tree. While the trees still were coming out of dormancy, they will fill in nicely to give filtered shade during our hot summer months.( The Jacaranda tree has a brilliant purple flower through the spring .)

The Star Jasmine in full bloom has a wonderful spice fragrance. One of my favorites.

Before

The Mexican honeysuckle bush was removed and a 24" box Purple Flower Plum was planted. Lavender were planted around the base of the tree. The tree was a wonderful specimen for this space. 

After