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

Sunset, Feb, 2003 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

Pacific Coast iris, sword fern, and other native plants enhance the natural areas. Around the house is a mix of edibles (persimmon, grapes) and old-fashioned plants like wisteria that suggests a restored ranch garden. "Its simplicity magnifies the beauty of the surrounding land," a juror noted. DESIGN: Suzman Design Associates, San Francisco (415/252-0111)

Steeled to perfection

Yountville, CA. In any garden, details make the difference between a good landscape and a great one. In Steven and Kimberly Cooks garden, designed by Jack Chandler, an unusual collection of rusted steel elements--including an arbor, retaining walls, light fixtures, and sculptures--creates a bold statement. "The rusted steel gives the garden a warm, cozy feel," remarked a juror. "It's not at all cold or industrial-looking."

Chandler, who makes furniture and sculptures in addition to designing landscapes, had used scrap steel in his work for years. But this was his first attempt to use it throughout the garden in place of wood or other materials. In spite of the logistical challenges (the 2-inch-thick steel plates used as retaining walls required a crane to set them in place), the use of steel was very successful. Fortunately, the expense of the crane was offset by the low cost of the salvaged materials, which should last many years longer than wood.

DESIGN: Jack Chandler & Associates, Yountville, CA (707/944-8352)

A path worth reading

Tiburon, CA. Visitors would never guess that the elegant walkway leading to Judith Thompson and Cindy Brooks's front door contains a hidden message: stones, arranged in gravel like braille dots, spell out the poem "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe.

It's like a special secret between friends, says designer Topher Delaney.

DESIGN: T. Delaney Inc/Seam Studio, San Francisco (415/621-9899). The firm also won in Small Space category for a children's garden in San Francisco.

Perfect materials

Palo Alto. Sometimes, remodeling a house presents opportunities. This recent remodel relocated a master bedroom to the front of the house, producing a need for more privacy from the street. Landscape architect Gary Strang's solution was to create an intimate courtyard.

He built a low fence made from teaklike ipe, with concrete masonry unit columns topped by a wood-and-steel trellis. The cleverly crafted structure provides privacy without completely blocking the view. The reed grass's feathery flower plumes add screening while softening hard lines. "It's wonderfully crisp and clean," the jurors agreed.

DESIGN: GLS Architecture/ Landscape Architecture, San Francisco (415/285-3614),

This year's jury

(from left to right)

Christine Ten Eyck, ASLA

Ten Eyck Landscape Architects Phoenix

Scott Woodcock, ASLA

The Berger Partnership Seattle

Lauren Sonar Swezey

Director, Western Garden Design Awards Program, Sunset

Bernard Trainor, APLD, MSGD

Bernard Trainor Design Associates Royal Oaks, CA

Pamela Burton, ASLA

Pamela Burton & Company Santa Monica

Kathleen N. Brenzel

Senior Garden Editor, Sunset