Backyard

The back patio is of stamped concrete stained in natural earth tones. A major upgrade was made with the addition of an easy-maintenance closed patio cover across the entire width of the patio. Antique lighting fixtures with variable control make for a nice setting during evening meals outside.





The original drab cinder block walls were refinished by hand with a "Mission" adobe plaster, then sealed and painted. The grass lawn was replaced by a desert landscape with water-thrifty plants and trees, complete with accent lights for night viewing. One corner features a tropical thatched palapa on a raised pad; the other has a functioning waterfall of natural stone that is home to two decoy Mallards.





A Chilean mesquite tree dominates the center, with a California pepper tree off to one side. Other plants include dwarf oleander, red yucca, pink autumn sage, red and orange Bird of Paradise, asparagus ferns, creeping rosemary, Cape Honeysuckle, and Texas cloud sage.

As an extra bonus, the yard has turned into an oasis for a variety of birds who come daily to splash in the bird bath and gobble seeds. My resident Northern Mockingbird sings his heart out, and hummingbirds swarm the flowers.

Orange Bird of Paradise


Pink Bougainvillea


Red Bottle Brush