Patchwork Garden...

A flagstone path underplanted with creeping Dymondia beckons visitors past overflowing beds of brightly blooming yellows and reds in this front yard garden, which received the Goleta Valley Beautiful Award for August 2007.

Overgrown junipers once overwhelmed the house and garden. Now, Iceberg roses, daylilies, sage, kangaroo paw, succulents and other low-water shrubs and perennials weave their way through the free-form beds.

A gentle berm, native boulders, red kangaroo paw and purple Mexican sage create privacy between the busy street corner and an informal sitting area furnished with willow chairs.

With the junipers gone, low-growing gold coin and other perennials line a welcoming pathway to the front door, while the burgundy tones of a Japanese maple pick up the rosy hues of the used brick chimney.

A final look at the stepping stone path.