Landscape Makeover: Multi-level Yard

Erin Grassie and Eric Lambrecht have maintained the historical style of their 1913 home in Oakland, California, while adding modern colors and accents that suit their style. However, their overgrown hillside backyard has remained untouched, and now that they're expecting their first child, they need to create a garden that they can really use. They'd like to get rid of the dilapidated remnants of the previous owner and create a space for their friends and growing family to enjoy. Landscape designers John Black, Heather Hardcastle and Damon Valentino step up to the challenge of designing the space.

Like many other homes in Oakland, Eric and Erin's house is on a hill and has a sloping backyard. Aside from a wobbly old trellis, a geranium planted in a tire, a few trees and some old rose bushes, there's nothing but weeds.