Garden Exploration: Exuberance in Small Spaces in San Francisco

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Hidden from the street behind a shou sugi ban gate in San Francisco’s Mission district, a small L-shaped front garden is pared down to the essentials. For a busy couple with two babies, designer Daniel Nolan knew restraint was the key. Come with us on a tour.

A fig tree came with the property and dominated that corner. Instead of pulling it, Nolan cut it back dramatically and espaliered it.

Evergreen Brachychiton acerifolius, commonly known as Illawarra flame trees, line up against Cor-ten steel siding.

All plants are irrigation-free.

The cool blue color of Yucca rostrata is dramatic against shou sugi ban siding, which runs the length of the walkway.

Cussonia spicata, in the Araliaceae family, takes an interesting turn in this blue pot.

Asparagus ferns and Mexican river rocks offer a clean edge design.

The fast-growing, evergreen vine of Lonicera hildebrandiana (Giant Burmese Honeysuckle) climbs along the Cor-ten siding and up steel cables.

Nolan created a green-on-green tableau with Furcraea foetida in a green vessel.

The clients provided their own table and chairs for the outdoor dining area.

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