LYON

In this private botanical garden, a rectangular lawn is replaced with flagstone, and Dymondia margaretae softens the hardscape leading into a lovely al fresco dining area. Lush hydrangeas, white roses, and Japanese maples are featured close to the house, while an outlying oak grove is planted with low-water-using succulents for visual interest. On the hillside, Acacias, colorful Salvias, and feathery grasses are added to create a dreamy palette set against distant mountain peaks. “I believe in borrowing from existing vistas, in this case the stunning mountain views, by using large boulders to echo the mountains for a natural, harmonious effect,” says Trace.