Sunny hillside california native plant garden naturalistic ecology slope terrace flagstone path pink white wild redwood tree

Oakland Hillside Garden

As you walk down this Oakland hillside garden, a series of terraces evolve from a modern style near the home to a naturalistic setting as one descends. A formal paver patio at the back of the house opens to a meadow promontory that begins the journey. Pass through the garden arbor and you are met with a cascading pond that offers tranquil relief from the southwestern exposure. Stroll down the stone steps and turn the corner to be surprised by a verdant meadow that offers fragrance and pollinator habitat. Proceed down the trail to the bottom and discover respite among the coast live oaks that have long grown on the site.

Key Garden Features

  • Hillside garden with terraced pathways & patios

  • Formal stone patio

  • Manicured meadow

  • Wood garden arbors

  • Cascading pond

  • Stone steps

  • Coast live oak habitat

A rounded wood arbor invites you to enter this hillside garden on a flagstone pathway with ground cover joints.
A natural curving flagstone pathway runs along this terraced hillside garden planted with California native plants.
Stacked stone landscape steps flanked with California native plants and sunny perennials.
A mix of California native plants and non-native perennials add a riot of color to this sloped hillside garden.
Stacked stone landscape steps flanked with California native plants and sunny perennials.
A flagstone patio with a wood railing and built-in wood bench for enjoying the view of the hillside garden and the water feature.
A small pond and waterfall add movement and tranquility to this hillside garden.
A small pond and waterfall add movement and tranquility to this hillside garden.
A natural curving flagstone pathway runs along this terraced hillside garden planted with California native plants.
A mix of California native plants and non-native perennials add a riot of color to this sloped hillside garden.
A natural curving flagstone pathway runs along this terraced hillside garden planted with California native plants.
Flagstone steps descend onto a modern geometric stone patio.
Flagstone steps with a wood railing descend onto a modern geometric stone patio.
A mix of California native plants and non-native perennials add a riot of color to this sloped hillside garden, and the shadier lower area is accessed by stone landscape steps.
Before and after — Oakland hillside native garden transformation
Before and after — Oakland hillside native garden transformation

We transformed this south-facing hillside from a wild slope to a curated native garden that continues to be maintained by the Four Dimensions horticultural team.

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