The ancient Greeks loved symmetry for a good reason. As do Ken and Jean Victor Linsteadt--for the same reason. By adding stone walls and a staircase to bisect and subdivide their sloped backyard into a series of mirror-image garden beds, the Mill Valley, CA couple have created a calming sense of balance.
Santa Barbara daisies (Erigeron karvinskionus) are planted as a low-growing ground cover to edge the front path.
The Linsteadt's springer spaniel, Louis, greets visitors.
A large olive tree provides privacy from the street.
Twin olive trees flank the front yard bench.
A path runs alongside the house to connect front garden to back.
In the backyard, the railing is weathered steel, allowed to rust naturally.
In spring, the back fence is covered by the blooms of climbing roses.
Lavender is planted as a low hedge at the edge of the top terrace.
Beds planted on both sides of the path are filled with herbs and roses.
Potted plants are trained on metal tuteurs.
Stepping stones and herbs lead to fragrance: Joan's favorite roses.
A yellow 'Graham Thomas' rose bush is trained as a shrub.
The 'Abraham Darby' is also trained as a shrub.
A patch of lawn is ringed by boxwood.
Louis waits on the patio to be let indoors.