San Mateo

A young family in San Mateo hired us to design a complete front yard renovation that would provide a “modern, yet whimsy” style with lower water and lower maintenance plants so they could successfully maintain it, despite their very busy schedules. The natural grade sloped down toward the house and the clients wanted suggestions for making the house “pop” from the street level. We were up for the challenge and addressed the slope with garden steps and a leveled seating area. This clean gravel area functions as a zone for water to slow down and percolate into the soil rather than rushing up against the house foundation, but is also an attractive focal point and serves as a relaxing area for the family to enjoy the garden and socialize with neighbors. An inviting and unique path to the front door was created by playfully offsetting custom concrete pavers that we framed with decorative pebbles and plants . Our selection of California native plants and other Mediterranean climate species will provide year round interest for this family to enjoy throughout the seasons.
Installation by Bay Counties Landscapes

Before & After

Rootsy Garden Design turned our mess of a front yard into a beautiful, functional and eco-friendly space. From creating a modern porch and walkway to picking out a mix of fun, low-maintenance plants, they brought all the elements together to create a space that truly fits our tastes and lifestyle. Laura did all the practical planning and considered everything from irrigation, drainage, lighting and more when designing. The best part is that she was so easy to work with! She guided us through all the decision-making (something we struggle with) and helped us identify our own tastes and preferences. She came to the site regularly during the project implementation to advise the contractor and ensured every detail was done correctly, and helped us with additional decisions that came up along the way. So many neighbors have stopped by to compliment our yard (and get Laura’s contact details!). We couldn’t be happier with how this all turned out and wish we’d done it years ago!

Tania, San Mateo