Transforming a Neglected Backyard: Hillside Makeover

Come with us on this backyard transformation timelapse! Our clients had a neglected backyard that they wanted to use to grow fruits, veggies, and have a lush garden to look down on from their two decks. We incorporated a slide, a balancing beam, and a stump path for the kids to play and be entertained in the back. 1 year later, things are still growing in and we look forward to taking care of this garden for years to come! Berkeley, California is in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a. Our plant palette included many native and pollinator friendly plantings. Here are the plants that we used for this project: Arctostaphylos spp. Dr. Hurd Asian Pear 'Shinseiki' Azara microphylla Citrus Lemon 'Eureka' Citrus Lime 'Bearss' Citrus Mandarin 'Satsuma' Prunus caroliniana Prunus caroliniana 'Bright' N Tight' Rhus integrifolia Acacia 'Cousin It' Buddleia 'Blue Chip' Choisya ternata Cordyline 'Festival' Hardenbergia violacea Hydrangea q. 'Pee Wee' Laurus nobilis 'Little Ragu' Loropetalum chinense (Staked) Mahonia 'Soft Caress' Pandorea 'Alba' Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf' Phormium 'Black Adder' Rosmarinus officinalis 'Barbeque' Westringia 'Grey Box' Achillea 'Sonoma Coast' Anemone hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' Asclepias speciosa Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata' Helleborus argutifolius Heuchera 'Obsidian' Lavandula 'Twickle Purple' Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low' Pelargonium tomentosum Pennisetum 'Hameln' Perovskia atriplicifolia Salvia guarantica 'Amistad' Sutera cordata Verbena bonariensis Stachys 'Helen Von Stein' Dymondia margaretae ▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 0:24 - Preparing site for new retaining walls 0:36 - Digging the footings for the retaining walls 1:13 - Grading the site 1:23 - Trenching for the irrigation lines 1:48 - Hogwire fence build 3:14 - Placing corten steel raised beds 3:38 - Planting! 4:05- Drip Irrigation 4:19- Mulch and finishing touches 4:30- Dymondia patch planting 4:44- End result