When I moved into my 1916 Craftsman home in 2009, the back yard was what I would call a bleak slate: It consisted of concrete steps, a concrete pad, and a strip of grass. My vision for the garden combined a hardscape for entertaining that needed minimal maintenance and deep beds allowing me to indulge my love of gardening. For assistance I contacted garden designer Lucy Hardiman. Lucy's plan included a landing outside the back door that steps down to a patio and walkway. A low seat wall partially surrounds the patio, and deep planting areas of shrubs, trees, and perennials provide a backdrop of foliage and flowers. Plants were selected so something would be blooming almost year-round. The front garden was redone in 2012 to reshape the beds, maintaining a harmonious relationship with the wonderful front garden next door. Please also explore that garden (3408), designed and installed by Master Gardener Evie Hausman and her lovely assistant (and husband), Bill.