- By Cody McMurtry
- January 29, 2020
This Oakland backyard was weird and isolated. A detached garage chopped up the space and made getting into the backyard difficult. In addition, after testing the soil we were concerned about food farming on this site.
First, the garage was converted to a covered patio/storage and bicycle shed. This was achieved by re-engineering the garage and removing two of its walls. One of the remaining walls became a climbing wall for the kids. After re-purposing the garage we were also able to recapture 1/2 of the driveway in order to provide a play space.
Next, a circular slate patio became a hub that tied the space and all of its elements together.
Finally, our construction team hauled away the upper 12″ of lead contaminated soil from the entire yard and replaced it with healthy soil. We then installed four raised beds and this family started farming before we were even finished with the job.
Our client on this project, a web architect and creative genius, brought many great ideas.
- By Cody McMurtry
- January 22, 2020
This tiny backyard has something for everyone in the family. The design challenge was to expand an existing tile patio so the space could function as an outdoor living room for a family of four humans and two small canines.
Designing a new entry gate and replacing the existing stairs from the public sidewalk to the elevated backyard – without consuming too much precious space – was a further puzzle.
A jacuzzi spa was integrated into what had formerly been an odd narrow masonry shelf, part of a footing to support a large retaining wall, which is now clad in a living layer of succulents and perennials.
Once we figured out the larger design changes, the rest fell right into place. The yard now features a patch of deep rooted fescue for the doggies, an apple tree and some carefully selected shrubs and perennials, lights and a new perimeter fence. This small space has everything our client wanted and feels much larger than it did before the renovation.
- By plantedearth
- March 13, 2018
Our client had a vision of a covered outdoor living area in a steeply sloped backyard in El Cerrito, which was actually in a landslide zone.
The Planted Earth team took the vision, developed the design and partnered with geotechnical and structural engineers to produce a buildable design, which our construction team brought to life by adding details along the way.
The plant selection is suited for a semi-arid environment exposed to both sun and wind. On the down slope side, the concrete walls and an awning extending from the house form a sheltered area to enjoy the garden.
- By plantedearth
- March 13, 2018
This rustic backyard patio and garden space is located in Oakland’s Lakeshore neighborhood. The project featured a comprehensive remake of the landscape, including garage removal, extensive grading and the creation of outdoor play and dining areas.
Cast in place concrete forms steps and retaining walls, creating elevated garden beds which bring a colorful array of plants to eye level when sitting in the patio. Hardwood benches provide seating alcoves for hosting guests, and re-purposed wood was used to construct all of the fencing.
- By plantedearth
- March 13, 2018
Planted Earth has been creating gorgeous stone and crushed rock patios since our founding in 2003. These open spaces frame the beauty of the surrounding garden environment, and provide a platform from which to enjoy your yard.
- By plantedearth
- April 6, 2016
This landscape, located on the rim of Wildcat Canyon, is contemporary in its design and inspiration. A simple yet striking pallet of mostly native plants was used to compliment the architectural style of the house. This project was designed in collaboration with ETA Architecture of San Francisco and installed by the Planted Earth team.
- By plantedearth
- April 6, 2016
This transformation was completed in 2006, just weeks before the 100th birthday of this, owner built, 2 story brown shingle house. During the design/build process, the site evolved from a front and back yard with no real definition to a series of seven distinct outdoor rooms that connect effortlessly to the interior of the house and to one another. This project was chosen by the city of Piedmont, CA Planning/Building Department as the “Best Outdoor Living Space” in 2007 and was featured in the Secret Gardens of the East Bay tour the following year.
- By plantedearth
- March 7, 2016
Our construction team has over a decade of crafting unique stairways to link your outdoor spaces together or to connect your home to the surrounding environment.
- By plantedearth
- March 7, 2016
Planted Earth is experienced in designing and building bespoke water features for your outdoor space. As a way to provide sound and movement to a design, water is a great element for your landscape.
- By plantedearth
- March 6, 2016
Fences play an important part of creating an outdoor space for your home. Either for safety, as a visual element, or to keep deer out of your yard, fences designed with a thoughtful touch and built with care define a beautiful space. We can build in multiple styles and in difficult conditions and ultimately create a fence that contains a pleasant landscape.
