mid-century modern update

Fireplace overshadowed flagstone terrace

smooth coat concrete updated the fireplace as back yard nears completion

Overgrown and crumbling

Harmonious colors and simplicity provide a calming oasis

Before and Afters

Retaining wall provides terracing and stability for the hillside

Buffalo grass provides a drought tolerant green run for future pets, while Pittosporum silver sheen, chosen for their black branches and shimmering leaves, are offset by the purple wall

Buffalo grass is fast becoming a southland favorite as it loves heat, requires a fraction the water of a regular lawn, and no pesticides, a big plus if you have pets or children playing and absorbing whatever is on it.  It begins as small tufts, gradually filling in to short mounds if left to itself.  Mowing will eventually result in a uniform lawn.  Unlike most grass, it thrives in the heat so looks its best in the summer when many lawns are turning brown.  

Drip irrigation is used throughout, resulting in minimal transpiration losses, a big plus here where water is in short supply. 

    We love succulents!

Evening Glow

Echevaria is a large genus of the crassulae family native to the semi-desert areas of central America from Mexico to northwestern South America (Wikepedia).  Their leaves look like exquisite blossoms and come in a range of colors.  These ones remain compact and are in the pink/purple range.
 

Red Eye

Three varieties of echevaria are planted diagonally in alternating rows

     Drip irrigation is hidden under the pebble surface, providing moisture with a minimum of water loss due to evaporation.  The plants will grow to about 14" in diameter over the next 12 months.

Garden makeover

Nearing completion, here are a couple of before and afters.

The land is cleared here, but the space is tired

A new flagstone terrace and banquette, desert plantings, pebbles and stone make all the difference

can you even find the path?

Aloes, agaves, barrel cactus and sticks of fire embellish the new pathway to the upper level.

Part 1: The Challenge: The gardens of this Mid-Century Modern Westside home had been let go for years.  The challenge is to transform it into a serene retreat with desert overtones.  Here is where we started:

The upper terrace was poorly built to begin with and had several severe cracks in it.

Parts of the retaining walls and brick banquette were compromised, the railroad ties were rotting, and a new planting concept was needed

The brick fireplace upstaged the flagstone terrace

Where to begin?  After clearing the land we were able to really see the state of the hard surfaces.  We decided the basic elements were worth keeping, but retaining walls needed to be higher and reinforced and the terrace and banquette could use a complete makeover.

before

curved sidewalk and patio create a welcoming presence

When it came to updating this Mar Vista garden, we replaced a straight sidewalk with curves, created a deeper front porch, added rocks and pocket gardens resulting a cheerier, more welcoming street presence.  Now the patio/porch is a place to sit and enjoy the street scene.

pocket plantings, rocks and stepping stones add depth to the garden

Church remodel 1 of 4

When Kevyn Jones became pastor of Valley Park Church, he called on Jon Vaughn (Spatial FX) and Susanne Vaughn (SVA Home and Garden) to help them update the 1950's campus. The sanctuary was typical of the era in which it was built: low and simple, and the campus most resembled a single story senior nursing facility if viewed from the street.  While solid teaching and the spirit of the people are the lifeblood of the church, the physical structure can enhance or hinder the growth of the congregation.

Upon walking the campus a few things stood out immediately.  The cross viewable from the street was rusty. There were several signs visible but they looked cluttered and disorganized.  The buildings all needed an updated color scheme inside and out; the garden needed attention, the social hall looked tired, and the adjacent kitchen hadn't seen improvements in 50 years.  The offices needed reconfiguring for better usage, and finally, all of the facilities were built around an open square, but most of the facilities were accessible from the parking lot and not from the square.  This encouraged people to leave after a service rather than linger.

Before: windows were obscured by bushes and there was no access to the  courtyard from offices or hall.

The Quad
By re-orienting all the facilities to face the center square or Quad, this unused space became the heart of all activities.  The patchy grass was replaced with colored concrete, 4 raised square planters with a seating bench surround;  and a shade pergola in the middle to provide relief from the Valley heat.  These additions also helped redirect the fierce winds that sometimes swoop down on the area. A single step up to a shaded "stage" provides a focal point for music or speakers for outdoor events.  Fast growing shade tipu tipuana trees grace the planters; misters and lights hide in the bougainvilla climbing the pergola, and cafe tables invite people to linger.  Today the quad is humming before and after services.  It is a favorite space to relax and visit during the week, and the first wedding reception held there was for Kevyn and Ann's daughter.

a solid surface, planters and a pergola create an oasis in the center of campus while new doors open the sanctuary, the opposite hall and the offices to the Quad, now a place to visit, have coffee, host a wedding.

First Impressions: Entry

Lavender borders, a limestone walkway and a raised planter by the door warm up the entry of this Highlands home staged by SVA Home and Garden.