Our 2003 western garden design awards: 15 winners offer planting, paving, and problem-solving inspiration

Sunset, Feb, 2003 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

"It's such a sophisticated solution," one juror remarked. DESIGN: Henning/Anderson, Oakland, CA (510/531-3095)

* SMALL SPACE

Less is more

Walnut Creek, CA. As homes grow larger and fill more of their lots, gardens are getting smaller and smaller. Landscape designers try to make every inch count. The suburban gar den of David Brewster and Alvey Halloway is a perfect example of how to make the most of a small yard.

Using complementary paving materials to define each space, landscape architects Stefan Thuilot and Joseph Huettl transformed a very narrow side yard into a slate patio, gravel potting area, and a small lawn that wraps around the end of the house. Wooden walkways set flush with the patio act as bridges between the various garden areas.

A raised bed that runs the length of the patio is filled with a variety of blooming plants and foliage to help soften the tall fence. A striking two-tiered fountain provides a focal point from inside the house. Overhead, white wisteria trained on a sturdy arbor provides shade. "The arbor brings the garden down to a human scale," a juror noted.

"The materials flow together," said another impressed juror. "It's such a good example of how to work with a long, narrow space."

DESIGN: Huettl-Thuilot Associates, Lafayette, CA (925/937-6400)

REGIONAL

Open to change

Lafayette, CA. Nestled at the base of a steep hillside with gorgeous views of Northern California's rolling hills, Brian and Cristen Godfrey's charming small-space garden feels perfectly matched to its surroundings. But just a few years ago, much of the land was overrun with a carpet of scraggly junipers 3 feet deep. A huge fir tree growing up through the junipers blocked much of the view. The only connection to the open space was a set of wooden steps that went straight up the hill.

Stefan Thuilot and Joseph Huetti made some dramatic changes. First they stripped the hillside of juniper and cut down the fir tree to improve the views. They also rerouted the stairs to make them more inviting and becoming. The new steps gently curve up the slope, leading the eye to the hills beyond.

Below the hill, a new flagstone-covered retaining wall expands the outdoor living area, An old, rotting deck was replaced with a handsome concrete-and-flagstone patio. A smaller deck was added off the bedroom, along with a new French door that improved access to the deck.

The hillside was replanted with an exciting palette of vibrant, California-appropriate plants, including California fescue, carex, catmint, coral bells, erigeron, 'Garnet' penstemon, lavender, Mexican bush sage, 'Morning Light' miscanthus, rosemary, and species geraniums. "The beautiful textures and colors make such a graceful transition to the open space," observed a juror. All of the jurors agreed that it was an amazing transformation.

DESIGN: Huetti-Thuilot Associates, Lafayette, CA (925/937-6400)

REGIONAL

Living on the edge

Tucson. Residing in the desert has many advantages, including year-round outdoor living and the ability to grow a wonderful diversity of plants. Owners Barbara Gutek and Geza Bottlik appreciate all the desert has to offer, including the many birds that visit their property. So when they hired Jeffrey Trent to design their desert-edge garden, they requested that it be suitable for entertaining both friends and wildlife.