Saratoga lawn-to-garden conversion
Los Altos residential
We’re proud to showcase one of our favorite collaborations, the Saratoga Lawn-to-Garden Conversion—a beautifully reimagined residential space installed by Opulands. This project was featured in the Spring 2025 issue of California Landscape Design, the acclaimed quarterly publication of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).
The challenge
The backyard had become little more than an underused lawn with little structure, purpose, or visual interest. The homeowners wanted a landscape that reflected how they actually lived—one that encouraged gathering, supported edible gardening, and created distinct outdoor spaces without feeling overly formal.
The challenge was to transform a conventional yard into a functional garden while preserving an open, welcoming feel.
The solution
Working from the design by Gün Ünsal of Blue Hibiscus Gardens, Opulands brought the vision to life through careful site layout, precision hardscape construction, and detailed installation.
Curving permeable paver walkways organize the garden into comfortable outdoor rooms while leading visitors naturally through the space. Raised cedar planter beds provide an attractive and productive area for growing vegetables and herbs, while a central decomposed granite court creates a flexible gathering space for family and friends.
Layered planting, new trees, and drought-conscious garden beds replaced the water-intensive lawn, creating year-round texture, seasonal color, habitat for pollinators, and dramatically lower water use.
Every element—from the masonry to the planting installation—was executed to ensure the finished landscape felt cohesive, natural, and built to last.
Featured in California Landscape Design Magazine
The completed project was selected for publication in the Spring 2025 issue of California Landscape Design, the quarterly magazine of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).
The feature highlights the successful collaboration between designer Gün Ünsal and the Opulands construction team, demonstrating how thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship can transform an ordinary suburban lawn into an inviting, productive, and sustainable garden.
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