A small residence situated in a clearing amongst the redwood forests in western Sonoma Co. needed landscaping. The owner loved gardening and wanted to be surrounded by spectacular plants of year-round interest. We developed a garden space around the house combining both some of the most unusual plants that could be grown in this climate but stuffed it with many short-term annuals to provide fullness and ebullient color for immediate enjoyment. A narrow bed between a porch and the driveway was a special focus, with a tiered planting that provided separation, visual excitement yet didn’t block the view.