A Small Backyard Gets a Stunning Makeover in San Diego
Learn how Ashley and Ross used Tilly for an unrecognizable backyard remodel.
BEFORE
AFTER
The Brief
Ashley is an old pro at DIY who’s been restoring her historic home in San Diego room by room and sharing it on her blog The Gold Hive — but she needed a helping hand in turning her rundown backyard into a space for her growing family to live and play. When Ashley and Ross welcomed a beautiful baby girl, it was time to finally tear down the dilapidated deck and sheds left behind by previous residents and make their backyard an oasis for their family. Here’s what they told us about their dream backyard remodel:
Before
Their small backyard was packed with a huge deck, unused 10-seater hot tub, and multiple sheds
Their sunken backyard pooled water at the foundation of their home
Their home is surrounded by neighbors on all sides
What They Asked For
A lush, cottage-style landscape design that would match their updated historic home
Space for their baby to play and for adults to enjoy
Privacy from the neighbors and the street
A design with permeable hardscape and water-efficient, pollinator-friendly plants
Our Plan
After going over the information we got from the clients, Ashley’s inspiration board, their space assessment, and a video call with them, expert landscape designer Claire presented a plan for a cozy, private backyard makeover that would give this family the space they needed to grow.
Design Elements
Replace the old deck with an open backyard with a permeable patio and soft lawn to play on
Add trees and plants along the tall fencing and a pergola at the entrance of the backyard to make privacy beautiful
Include a kid’s play area for the baby, a dining area and fire pit for the family, and raised vegetable beds to grow dinner
Charming cottage-style plants that support pollinators and are specialized to California’s dry climate, including:
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’)
New Zealand flax (Phormium ‘Maori Sunrise’)
White rockrose (Cistus x hybridus)
Finished Project
A Small Backyard for Everyone
Fresh plants have added vibrancy to their backyard and will fill the space (and provide privacy) as they mature
A swing set makes the perfect play zone for the baby now and they plan to “up the equipment” as she gets older
The cozy outdoor living spaces have turned their backyard from a place to avoid to a place to luxuriate
Follow Ashley @thegoldhive to watch her yard bloom and see her family enjoy the space!
Gallery
Ashley's Feedback
Ashley
The Full project
I would have never been able to maximize the space the way my Tilly designer did! Claire took a small yard and filled it with amenities, features, and lots of greenery and blooms to completely transform the way we live in our home! I'm so impressed with the creative approach she took to solving our yards grading and orientation problems. We're so lucky to have had a pro design a space for us and it couldn't have been an easier process working with Tilly!
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