After 14 years in the neighborhood, this home has grown alongside the people who live in it — and now, its garden finally reflects that sense of ease, connection, and enjoyment that makes the area so special.

For more than a decade, the backyard remained largely unchanged. While it had some charm, much of the space wasn’t truly livable. The terrain sloped unevenly, areas weren’t graded for use, and older elements like fencing, concrete, and rocks limited how the family could enjoy the outdoors. With the weather here being so inviting year-round, the owners knew they wanted to make better use of the backyard — especially as a place to gather and relax — but they didn’t have a clear vision or the time to figure out what to do. Gardening wasn’t really their strength, and the space needed a thoughtful, holistic approach.

The inspiration ultimately came from places that already felt like a retreat: wineries in Napa and Sonoma. The goal became creating a Mediterranean-inspired sanctuary — a garden that felt grounded, calming, and welcoming.

That vision truly came together once they partnered with Laura Osteen. at Secret Garden Landscapes, whose design approach stood out immediately. Rather than a one-size-fits-all concept, she helped the homeowners discover what they wanted. Her thoughtful design drew on vintner landscapes, incorporated pavers that felt natural underfoot, and — importantly — opened up the fence line to expand views and create a more connected feel with the surrounding environment.

One of the biggest challenges was working with the property’s natural slopes. The garden includes both downhill and uphill elements, which required careful planning to ensure usability, sustainability, and long-term stability. Soil quality became a major focus, not only to support plant life but also to reinforce the structural integrity of the space.

Laura’s engineering-minded design eye made a noticeable difference here. She brought a balance of creativity and practicality that set her apart, and her clear communication style helped the homeowners feel confident throughout the process.

While the homeowners don’t consider themselves DIYers, they did add a few meaningful elements. A raised garden bed now produces herbs and lettuces, adding both beauty and function. Near the gate — once an overlooked strip of space — they created a rose garden that has become a small cutting garden, complete with jasmine and rosemary. These details bring fragrance, color, and a sense of life to the edges of the garden.

One of the most rewarding moments came when the family hosted a graduation party for 80 people — and the garden handled it beautifully. With benches, gravel areas for standing and mingling, and a thoughtfully designed sections, the space proved it wasn’t just attractive, but truly functional for gatherings and celebrations.

For now, the garden feels whole and complete — a finished sanctuary designed to be enjoyed. The homeowners are thrilled with how the project turned out and especially appreciative of the design team’s ability to see possibilities where they once saw limitations.  Secret Garden Landscapes offers a maintenance package as well, to help guide against gophers, pests and any professional upkeep needed.  Their seasonal guide is also helpful, to direct residents on how to follow along on their own.

For anyone considering a home or garden update, the biggest takeaway is this: work with someone who listens, brings both creativity and practicality — and who understands how to work with the land. Don’t be afraid to rethink spaces you’ve written off, and remember that even small areas can become something special with the right vision.