Suburban Retreat Found Through Devious Garden Design Redesign
A Transformed Oasis: Brad Cox's Board-and-Batten House in San Jose
Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, a new California board-and-batten style house has emerged, boasting a stunning redesigned garden. The architect behind this masterpiece is Brad Cox, Architect, Inc, while the landscape design was expertly crafted by Koch & Associates.
The house, spanning 900 square feet, is just one part of the story. The outdoor spaces, meticulously designed by interior designer Paige Coleman, are a testament to her creativity and passion for gardening.
Paige's work has transformed the property into a lush oasis, providing privacy from neighbours, thanks to her thoughtful plant selection. The garden is split into five distinct rooms, each functioning as an extension of the house year-round.
The barn, the only original structure on the site, underwent a significant overhaul. One acacia tree grows through its roof, adding a touch of history to the modern design. The barn houses a dining patio with a teak table, a lounging patio behind it, a raised fire pit patio, an outdoor kitchen, and an Orchard Room.
The Orchard Room, the last piece of the puzzle, was inspired by an outdoor bath. It offers a serene space for relaxation, complete with a kumquat tree in a tall black pot. The outdoor kitchen, flanked by strawberries, features a grill, perfect for al fresco dining.
Two distinct pockets were specifically designed for hummingbirds, offering year-round blooming plants. Paige also used large galvanized steel stock tanks for container gardening, growing raspberries, herbs, and other plants.
The landscapers dug up the lawn to lay pipes for water, sewage, and irrigation. The fountain next to the main patio was chosen to provide birds a place to bathe and drink.
Paige Coleman, the driving force behind this transformation, lived on the property for eight years before creating the current design. She enjoys maintaining the landscaping as one of her hobbies.
Liz Baessler, Senior Editor at Gardening Know How since 2020, has been following Paige's work closely. With a professional background in writing about gardening and food, a degree in English from Oklahoma State University, and certifications in urban gardening, Liz has been a Master Gardener in Oklahoma for 17 years. She lives in Eastern Washington and gardens extensively with edible plants and houseplants.
Prior to Paige's project, the garden was an uninspiring space that did little to minimize neighbour impact. Today, it stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform a space, creating a beautiful, functional, and private outdoor living area.
