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This contemporary spa garden was created during the pandemic for a client who asked to be transported to Kyoto. It is a postage stamp in Noe Valley, SF.
Existing conditions included an extreme slope with a small patch of synthetic turf at the top, a Canary Island Date Palm with a large umbrella-like canopy, an ill-pruned Laurel, a messy fruiting Plum tree, and an industrial-feeling metal bridge leading from the house across a light well to the bottom of the slope. The trees created privacy, but prevented use of the space. All of the plants were removed to make room for a new sanctuary.
Volcanic natural phenomena were used as concept for the space. The site was regraded carefully: wooden steps and a walkway were integrated to surround a large custom copper spa. The bridge was refinished with thermally treated wood, and a series of wooden planters were terraced on the perimeter to house the running bamboo that creates privacy and atmosphere. A burned wood sauna was imported and creates a background for a maple. Basalt stone columns, a 50 year old cut-leaf Japanese Maple and other specimen trees were sited carefully. A memorial stone was placed to hold shadows of branches. Shades of coral, red and orange, and soft flowing textures were integrated. The perimeter wall and fencing were taken to dark grey and black - to silence that frame, and to give prominence to the plantings.
Habitat Horticulture was consulted in the creation of a living wall for the light well where a Paloform fire feature is located on teak decking. Custom light housing was designed in consultation with Electrolight for the living wall. The lighting team also created dramatic and functional illumination of the garden as a whole. The perimeter bamboo is backlit with color changing led’s, additional features and trees are carefully up-lit, and the walkway has hidden led’s that illuminate the ground plane.
Plantings include Japanese Anemone, Hakonechloa, Itoh Peonies, Iris ensata, Heuchera, dwarf Gingko, a dwarf weeping snow-fountain Cherry tree, and Hydrangea. Seasonally shifting blossoms and leaves are experienced in contrast with consistent slow-growing evergreens including weeping Cedar, pom pom Juniper, Acacia, Acorus, Casuarina, Lepitinella, Dichondra, Ophiopogon, Passiflora, and a Mandarin tree.
Other vital team members included Eche Martinez, Siteworks, Larkspur Builders, Diamond Spas, and of course the more than gracious client. This garden is dedicated to Ron Herman, my former employer and co-author of a guide book to the gardens of Kyoto with Marc Treib.