Susan Silva Landscape Design

Before & After

Sacramento & Davis, CA

This was a small backyard in real need of a makeover and the other was a sideyard used for storage. The first 4 from left to right 'before and after' photos are of a design in Sacramento. The following 5 'before and after' photos are of a sideyard design in Davis.

Both designs work well in a small yard or just a special part of a larger yard. Homeowners can have something special and serene that doesn't have to cost a lot when in a smaller space.

Both families love their new Asian gardens and really enjoy the low maintenance, too. The Japanese maples and other plants are getting larger and fuller as another season passes and soon will offer more richness and privacy.

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Folsom, CA

This landscaping project was for homeowners in Folsom, CA. They wanted something gorgeous, much more usable, and easy to take care of (no weekly lawn mowing!). It began as a 20 year old landscape and NOW a gorgeous, charming, timeless landscape including many usable areas for relaxing, entertaining, vegetable/herb gardening and flower cutting. The soft sounds from the fountains and the fragrant bird/butterfly loving plants make it a wonderland!

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BEFORE: Straight, rigid steps to the front entry and far too much lawn.
AFTER: A new, meandering path with steps as needed to meet the front entrance. Sun loving, drought tolerant, colorful plants replace the lawn on either side of the new walk.
BEFORE: The only patio, too small and crowded in this large backyard.
AFTER: A new, wide curving path leads to new patios throughout the backyard.
BEFORE: The greenhouse sits alone on the sideyard.
AFTER: The greenhouse is now nestled among beautiful, new plantings including vegetables and
herbs. The charming arbor and bubbling fountain make it an extra special place.
BEFORE: Although the redwoods are towering and majestic, they just stand alone without purpose in the corner.
AFTER: The lawn was removed. Rock seat walls, patios, and a flagstone path lead to the new, small, and intimate deck nestled under the redwood canopies.
BEFORE: The left, rear corner slopes up to meet the fence among the old and tired plantings.
AFTER: This corner area now is the outdoor dining room adjoining the outdoor kitchen.
The new rock seat wall retains the planter of luscious yellow roses and the background maples.
AFTER: A beautiful view of this finished backyard looking through the yard towards the arbor.
AFTER: Another beautiful view of this finished backyard looking into the yard from the arbor.

Sacramento, CA

This landscaping project was for homeowners in Sacramento, CA. They, too, wanted something beautiful, interesting, functional, and much easier to take care of then the weekly maintenance of so much lawn! It also began as a 20 year old, tired landscape and then became a very special part of the home. It's the place where they spend much of their time now. Homeowner, Beth, now refers to her backyard as her "nirvana".

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BEFORE: The old, square concrete patio was the only place in the yard to sit and share a meal.
AFTER: The new curved path leads from the back slider to the now enlarged, stamped concrete patio.
AFTER: The size of the backyard was largely increased by moving the fence/gate from the rear sideyard corner to the front of the house. The new, beautiful backyard becomes double in size!
BEFORE: Another view of the back original patio and that corner of the house.
AFTER: Wow! What a difference a design can make with complimentary plantings, curved paths, outdoor lighting, and a bright red wonderful fountain!
BEFORE: The large, front and unused sideyard was just another large piece of lawn to mow.
AFTER: The old sideyard is now a part of the beautiful backyard.
AFTER: The old sideyard is now a part of the beautiful backyard.
AFTER: Gorgeous! A glorious view of this finished backyard. It's hard to now imagine that this was originally an old, flat lawn.
AFTER: The sweet, soothing pondless waterfall is tucked into the right of the adjoining fire pit. At night, it is simply wondrous sitting next to the fire and listening to the water move.
AFTER: The sanctuary of the backyard... a quiet place to rest and read.
It's a place enjoyed barefoot, cushioned with the soft, fragrant thyme ground cover.

Plymouth, CA

"Thank you very much for creating such an attractive plan to serve as the guideline for developing what was formerly just a cow pasture into what is now our oasis up here in the foothills!" - Mary Robertson

NOTE: The photos shown of Mary's backyard were taken before it was fully planted.

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Susan Silva Landscape Design © 2016