Location: Salinas, California
Scope of Services: This was a custom design, fabrication and installation of a cor ten entry gate, vertical living mesh screen, slate entry and sidewalks and a series of three custom wood climbing structures amongst natives, edible climbers and fruit trees. Lighting and irrigation was also installed as well as reclaimed wood benches for reading and observing wildlife. Upon completion of installation, follow-up consulting and maintenance took place for the first six months for client support and garden coaching.
Program: An older woman in a violence-prone neighborhood was looking for a secure, yet welcoming home entry design and back yard courtyard garden that exudes life due to recent events in her life. The garden functions as a tranquil, zen place of healing and health that encourages her to spend more time outdoors, growing and tending to her own strawberries, figs, citrus, apples, culinary herbs and observing the many life forms. Transforming her neglected and abandoned home space into an active participant in the healing process of her body, mind and spirit during this significant transition in her life was the primary objective.
Custom cor ten gate & mesh climbing screen
Gate Design Detail - Minimalism, Utilitarianism & Zen Unified
Partial View Into The Inner Courtyard Entry Garden
Here the vertical climbing structure against the stucco wall backdrop becomes the backbone and skeletal structure for a passionfruit vine, engulfing the wood 'ribs' as if its discovering a once abandoned structure and taking full advantage of its close proximity. Refinished redwood bench slats entice the passerby to take a pause, sit and BE in the space.
Espalier apples & citrus grow on skeletal trellises 
Mortared slate walkways
