The Owner wanted a new backyard swimming pool with spa and new garden plantings. A set of brick steps from the existing rear terrace provided a natural axis on which to orient the pool, while maximizing the remaining area for lawn and gardens in an otherwise small space. The coping of the pool was designed wide enough to serve as a walkway, thus eliminating the need for a pool deck. The lawn and planting areas abut the coping, setting the pool off even more. In answer to the client’s desire for color in the garden, a variety of blooming trees, shrubs, flowering perennials and seasonal color were included. Old wooden gates were removed and custom designed iron gates installed inside the arched openings of the stucco garden walls. The front yard plantings were completely changed to highlight the existing brick bordered concrete terrace which extends from the front façade of the home.