When Suzanne Biaggi of Sculptural Landscapes based in Petaluma, California, was commissioned to design the garden environment for a client's home in Mill Valley, she was able to begin with a barren landscape. Though she was handed a blank canvas, there were some significant parameters that influenced her design philosophy.

One of the parameters that Biaggi gladly worked within was the client's request for an Asian influence for the garden's design. The design motif is apparent when visitors pass through the custom designed entryway into the backyard. New Mexico waterwash stepping stones float in a shallow bed of variegate earthtone Trinity Gravel. To the left of the walkway is a low, fieldstone retaining wall that flanks a 4:1 slope. A simple palette of green plants, yellow Santolina Virens and purple Verbana 'Homestead' decorate the slope and establish the mood for those entering the garden. As inspiration for the garden gate, Biaggi used the architectural lines of the house's peeked roof. The redwood used to construct the entry gate was treated so it would maintain its reddish color while the fence was left untreated so it would turn grey from weathering.

The retaining wall continues on the other side of the fence but a wooden motif was used to match the redwood decking. Immediately after walking into the backyard, a handcrafted, L-shaped wooden bench is the focal point. Where the two benches meet, Biaggi designed a Mizu stone that holds water for ritualistic cleansing ceremonies. In Japanese tradition, the water in a Mizu stone is removed every morning as part of ritual to greet the day. The water emptied from the basin is sprinkle on threshold in an act of cleansing. When carving the stone, Biaggi said that she tries to work harmoniously with the stone's character. "I collaborate with the stone to determine where the best place is to carve and how to carve it."

To travel from the upper deck to the grass lawn below, Biaggi designed a wooden staircase. One of the project's parameters that played a significant role was the 4:1 slope that constituted most of the backyard. Flanking the first series of steps, Biaggi specified a mass of wine colored day lilies. At the first landing, rust colored Fall River Slate stone in angular shapes was used as paving material. To create visual stimulation, Biaggi embedded a nice size stone in the midst of the paving. Throughout the entire residential project, the theme of rock vignettes is carried out.

The final set of slate stairs was augmented by groupings of yellow Little Maids and purple Lavender. Biaggi said that she prefers to use only a few colors when she designs a landscape. When it comes to beauty in design, she confessed that understated elegance is what she likes best.

Professionals in the design/build industry know that parameters exist for every project. The key to success is flexibility and creativity when it comes to meeting the client's needs while working within the limitations of the work site. LCM