The Markota's backyard landscape provided plenty of private outdoor space below the hillside trails of Eagle Rock. It worked for family BBQs, but Michele Markota envisioned a restful outdoor living space that would enable her to entertain on a larger scale and easily access the views from the top of her property.
Michele felt that her home's exquisite location in the mountains came with certain responsibilities, including sensitivity to fire hazards and the avoidance of invasive plants. In FormLA, Michele found a team who really listened to what she wanted. "Other contractors actually suggested creating a fire pit! In sharp contrast, I knew FormLA really understood my goals and concerns."
FormLA transformed the Markota's basic backyard with nearly 1500 square feet of thirsty traditional lawn into a tribute to their 1928 Tudor home and the surrounding mountains. Key features include:
Bird Fountain. FormLA transformed Michele's antique granite drinking fountain into a birdbath that continually sings with a variety of birds.
Gas and Charcoal Barbeque Center. The duel-fuel barbeque takes pressure off of Michele's kitchen, providing a space where she enjoys grand-scale cooking and entertaining.
Patio Cover and Misting System. Michele pulls back the patio cover to reveal the stars at night, and her misting system keeps the patio enjoyable on the hottest of summer days.
Established Plants. Preserving mature Oaks, Ash and slope stabilizing ground covers maintains the yard's established feel as sustainable, water wise foliage grows to maturity.
Hill of Natives. Young natives stabilize Michele's steep hillside and complement the ecology of the foothills behind her home.
Paving Stones. Michele delights in the design and color of her custom paving stones as she heads out for her daily hike.
Hilltop Gazebo. Without the unobtrusive but invaluable gazebo placed at the top of the hill, only the lizards could enjoy Michele's view on a sunny, summer day. It now provides serenity and shade any time of day or year.
Tortoise Home. Michele's desert tortoises received a new custom-designed wrought iron home as part of her landscape renovation.
Percolation Pits. While not readily visible, percolation pits were created to preserve the original, natural waterway that flows through the Markota yard. These pits are an alternative to sump pumps, as they eliminate storm water run-off.
Michele valued the improvements to her backyard space so much, she decided to re-landscape her front yard before remodeling the kitchen. New additions include:
Driveway Extension. The concrete of the new, T-shaped driveway perfectly compliments existing concrete, making it look like an original part of the Markota home. The unusual T-shape makes it possible for Michele to exit her driveway without backing onto the street.
Seating Wall of Reclaimed Concrete. Reclaiming concrete from the old driveway for a seating wall reduced waste, preserved budget, and integrates the new wall with the home's architecture. The wall also serves to retain soil layered into small terraced living spaces and gardens.
Automatic Gate. The property had very little room for an automatic driveway gate. The size was so unusual, FormLA crafted a custom gate and motor to allow maximum use of the driveway.
The practical aspects of the Markota's landscape transformation, including the driveway reconfiguration, duel-fuel barbeque, and steps to the top of the property have become conveniences Michele now relies upon. Yet, it is the less practical touches that continue to truly delight her.
"Let's face it," Michele notes, "An oven only makes you happy when you use it, if then. My landscape is a masterpiece. It relaxes me, and I enjoy every second I spend in it."
After just two years, Michele's hillside of young native plants attracts a wide range of wildlife and produces beautiful banks of foliage year round. The granite birdbath is a conversation piece and attracts everything from hummingbirds to ravens. The misting system and patio cover make it easy and enjoyable to entertain at any time of day, increasing the time Michele chooses to spend out of doors.
Michele's stable and beautiful steps to the top of her property are the envy of her neighbors. After seeing the transformation of the Markota landscape, more than a few neighbors have begun working with FormLA Landscaping to complete similar projects.
"There are not enough good adjectives to describe my experience with FormLA. I've never been so happy with a contractor in my life... I only wish they did kitchens."
