Blog
Local conditions that shape a yard here — wildfire zones, heritage trees, microclimates and hillside lots.
California's proposed Zone 0 rule creates a 5-foot ember-resistant buffer around homes. What the draft regulation contains and what it means for Bay Area yards.
7 min read
Palo Alto and Menlo Park backyards come with heritage tree ordinances, narrow lot access, and mid-century architecture. How to design a yard that navigates all three.
8 min read
How to light a South Bay backyard so it is usable at night, neighbour-friendly, and dark-sky-compliant — with shielded fixtures, warm colour temperatures, and layered illumination.
8 min read
The Bay Area is not one climate. Fog on the Peninsula, heat in the South Bay, and afternoon wind through the gaps all change how a backyard should be designed.
7 min read
Los Gatos backyards present unique challenges: hillside terrain, protected trees, and fire-safety requirements. How to design a yard that works with the land.
7 min read