The backyard part deux

This is the reverse view - looking from the SE towards the NW. The paths are wide enough for two people to walk abreast, though that width may decrease as the plants become more established. You can also see the "island" bed in the upper left corner. We planted a fuyu persimmon for Deb and Vic (who helped me plant it) and Dan/Noa/Luca/Enzo. This shot also illustrates our affinity for contrasting foliage, specifically those with yellow or purple foliage. We promise to update the garden photos come spring when things have grown.

The backyard

This view is looking from the NW corner towards the SE corner. You can see a fig leaf, part of the pear-apple tree, a blueberry twig, many herbs and a few varieties of drought-tolerant grasses. Also visible are the gravel paths, which were dug out with the help of Rachael's student Caitlyn. This is the same type of 1/4"- unsorted gravel used in traditional Japanese gardens. It compacts nicely and doesn't migrate into the house, all the while allowing water to permeate.