This multilevel garden takes an iconic human artifact, the picket fence, on a journey. Beginning its expression as a conventional vertical element, the fence changes form as it breeches the wall. Twisting onto its side, it becomes a trellis overhead; tilting toward the ground, it becomes a seat; leaning still further, it becomes a walkway inviting people into the space. On the upper level the fence divides the space into two planting zones: a manicured lawn and un-manicured meadow with tall field grasses. Below, the planting scheme is a hybrid of the heavily and barely-maintained represented by several species of Bay Area plants that work well in a garden but have evolved not to need regular watering or pesticide application. This garden challenges one to look at a familiar object in a new way and evoke questions about what it means to maintain a landscape.

Designed and constructed by:
SWA
Ellen Burke, Nancy Coulter, Zachary Davis, Ross Nadeau, Laura Phipps, Travis Theobald, and Justin Winters.
www.swagroup.com