This MODERN (1986), turreted stucco house suggested the choice of a similar period of style. A huge Deodar cedar in the front yard influenced our choice of plants and surface treatment: we chose ground covers for dry shade and covered the majority of the area with landscape fabric under large smooth pebbles. Lines were simple and clean. A small patio was built in the side yard, connecting exits from both living room and small informal dining area. An enclosure was built to screen the barbeque, and a wisteria covered trellis set to provide privacy from neighboring windows. Planting areas were created to edge the existing swimming pool; a combination of ornamental grasses, perennials, and terra-cotta pots were placed within it. A long border was planted with brightly colored perennials to produce a long season of bloom: agapanthus, lavender, red flowered heuchera (coral bells), and annual lobelia.