Beauty Lost and Found

Lori and Perry Tessel have settled nicely into their 1930s Spanish-style home they bought four years ago. They recently designed and remodeled their kitchen on their own. Their good taste and vision is evident throughout their home but when it comes to their yard they are at a definite loss as to what to do with the awkward L-shaped space. Plus, because they live in a neighborhood that has been designated as historical, they need professional help for an appropriate design.

The Tessels need a backyard where their daughter can play and where they can entertain. But they also want it to reflect the style of the house. Eager to solve their landscaping dilemma are designers Corrado Giovannoni, Alison Flesch and Gayle Martin.

The three landscape designers have met with the family to get a feel for their style and goals. Giovannoni has created a plan that combines elements of a traditional Spanish garden with a modern day play space. Flesch visualizes the Tessels' garden as a lush green hideaway, using motion as a central theme. Martin's vivid color scheme sets the tone for a Mediterranean-inspired garden.

After one week of reviewing the three designs, Lori and Perry select Corrado Giovannoni's plan. The backyard renovation begins and up comes the old concrete patio. Next, part of the lawn is taken out to make way for new planting beds. Giovannoni creates a backyard beautiful enough to lure the whole family outside. He manages to honor the architecture of the Tessels' house and still pack their backyard with lots of interesting things for the whole family to look at, learn from and enjoy.