G arden
spaces
A split-level barbeque with a granite countertop includes a seating area for the Pinchasi family and guests.
A home transformed with hardscaping
The front yard is a treat to the olfactory senses: Jasmine, lavendar and rosemary abound, and thyme and mint are tucked between the flagstones along the fragrant path to the front door.
By Stevie Wilson
D
anny and Ferial Pinchasi were tired of their home’s
patio. The natural canopy of trees is buttressed by one that is
rectangular lawns and linear pathways, so they
man-made – an awning that dips under the cassias protects
brought in a landscaper to lay down some fresh
the family and guests from the harsh summer sun.
pavement.
heat, the family had pretty much avoided it in the past.
“We wanted to soften the appearance and replace all
those straight lines with a natural flowing garden that would
A custom fountain filled with goldfish livens up the back yard.
Since the yard had provided no respite from the blazing Now, Pinchasi says, “It’s very lush and green, like a little
complement the home’s Mediterranean ar-
piece of paradise right in the back yard.” And he says of the
chitecture,” says Danny Pinchasi.
transformation, “It kind of added another room to the house.”
The front and back yards of the Studio City
A custom fountain with built-in seating, filled with plants
house presented a creative challenge because
and goldfish, “brings the area to life and adds an interactive
they are somewhat small in size. But the
element to the yard,” Melius says.
contractor gave the home a more comfort-
In the front yard, an old wrought-iron gate now graces
able feel with a new hardscape that includes
the walkway entrance. Hand-chiseled flagstones, which were
soothing water fountains and a built-in bar-
also used to create the steps and patio area out back, line a
beque with a granite countertop, combined with a softscape
path to the front door. Thyme and mint planted between the
of hedges and heavenly smelling plants and fruit trees.
stones release an aromatic fragrance along the path. Jasmine,
lavender, rosemary and other perennials border the yard,
“We’re very proud of this one,” says Southern Califor-
nia Landscape co-owner Pam Melius, whose firm won two
which features a small fountain, bench and stonework.
awards last year for the hardscape design. “I think it looks like
a Tuscan estate.”
more space between their house and the street. The contrac-
The back yard is now an enchanting mix of fragrance and
color: The scents of lime and orange trees mingle with the
The homeowners had also wanted the appearance of
tor achieved that goal with the wrought-iron gate and rubble stone masonry walls.
perfume of gardenias, jasmine and roses; bougainvillea softly
drape the garage; an herb garden is nestled into a corner of
appreciate the beauty of their home landscape; night lighting
the yard; and four cassia trees form a shady canopy over the
affords a view long after the sun has set.
62 spaces march / april 2008
The Pinchasis don’t have to wait until dawn each day to