A recently completed garden in Los Angeles has been thoughtfully designed to blend timeless aesthetics with sustainability, creating an organic outdoor space that functions as both a playground and a gathering area. The project, led by designer Sharp, unfolds as a series of open-air "rooms" centered around a shallow pool that evokes memories of the homeowner John Tetreault’s Florida childhood. The pool’s rectangular shape is accented by custom terracotta tiles sourced locally from Mission Tile West, with black-and-white graphic tiles lining the interior edge, inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the water.
Sharp and his team aimed to craft a garden that felt rooted in its location while maintaining a distinctive character. The landscaping features a palette emphasizing natural materials such as organic flagstone and decomposed granite, chosen for their warmth and permeability. Mature citrus and persimmon trees were introduced to enhance a sense of California’s abundance and seasonal changes.
The plant selection highlights native California species, including aromatic Salvia apiana and Salvia clevelandii, as well as crepe myrtles, hardy succulents like cactus and aloe, and bunch grass (Muhlenbergia rigens). Dragon trees (Dracaena draco) and climbing roses bring additional texture to the space. According to Sharp, the garden represents a hybrid of dry-garden and English-garden elements, designed to be pragmatic and low-maintenance. A modest kitchen garden nearby produces herbs such as mint and basil, alongside tomatoes for everyday cooking.
An outdoor fire pit positioned near the pool serves as a social hub for entertaining, surrounded by jasmine and Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca ‘Citrina’, which offers a sweet fragrance throughout the winter months. Sharp noted that despite Los Angeles' sprawling nature, residents appreciate outdoor communal spaces for gatherings, making the fire pit a focal point for events like barbecues and birthday parties.
Design details throughout the garden further emphasize its natural feel. Hexagon-shaped terracotta tiles complement those around the pool, while strategically placed large boulders provide informal seating, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a national park. Comfortable Adirondack-style chairs crafted from California redwood rest on soft sand, encouraging barefoot play and relaxation. At the property’s edge, more utilitarian features include a rustic outdoor shower and a simple Scandinavian-inspired sauna.
Reflecting on the project’s timeline, Tetreault shared that the garden required patience to mature, with full benefits only emerging after two growing seasons. Sharp expressed satisfaction in collaborating with skilled colleagues to produce a space that embraces both creativity and resource stewardship. He emphasized the importance of water-conscious design in sustainable gardening and highlighted how such environments serve as natural classrooms, encouraging children to engage, explore, and learn through interaction with the outdoors.