Posted on by Desert Dweller | David C.

Out Back

Out back at “Rancho Robertson”. My photography doesn’t quite capture the subtle light changes at dusk, let alone the breeze.

The back patio area offers a view towards 3 mountain ranges to the east, spanning over 75 miles, notably the Duke City’s famous backdrop, the Sandia Mountains.

The small space requires that plants be used for similar purposes as were used in the front patio, but the total separation from the front allows completely different species be used, for the flora-centric owner (and landscape architect) to enjoy.

From my 9/25/2013 visit:

RobertsonRes-BackS01_2013-09-25-Sml
the concrete lintel above each patio home’s window originally dictated the step and seat wall; the owner made a good adjustment on the seat wall

RobertsonRes-BackS02_2013-09-25-Sml
CMU block and blue stucco, to contrast the color of the house walls; Yellow Bird of Paradise, some Autumn Sage added to existing ones, a solo Mescal Agave with some Greek Germander and a potted hibiscus; cast-in-place concrete steps and seat wall were originally designed
RobertsonRes-BackS03_2013-09-25-Sml
concrete pavers salvaged from the original, disjointed concrete paver use onsite – less expensive than cast-in-place concrete – another good call; a sage or two might be removed, so the Night-blooming Hesperaloe is more visible as it grows in
the Sandia Mountains, a Curve-bill Thrasher at dinner, over contrasting plantings
the Sandia Mountains, a Curve-bill Thrasher at dinner, over contrasting plantings
gray Wooly Butterfly Bush over Purple Robe (a few blooms), a Mescal Agave in the corner
gray Wooly Butterfly Bush over Purple Robe (a few blooms going), a Mescal Agave in the corner (or is it a Big Bend Agave / A. havardiana?)
contrasts - a mix of Dwarf Hummingbird Trumpet and Mescal Agave, potted blooms in front, and a potted Spineless Prickly Pear in back, standing guard to the east
contrasts – a mix of Dwarf Hummingbird Trumpet and Mescal Agave, potted blooms, and a potted Spineless Prickly Pear in back, standing guard east

7 Replies to “Out Back”

  1. I love how many plants you fit into the planting pockets. That will definately be season long color and the blue wall is gorgeous. I especially love how it offsets the pink flowers

    Thanks & for also visiting! I think so, especially once it fills in and the edits are over.

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  2. I like that blue seat wall. Colored walls are what I envy most from desert gardens. Well, that and the brilliant light.

    Yes, that was a nice color. I only wish more used colored walls in NM!

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  3. Two of my favorite plants – Autumn Sage and one that doesn’t get enough attention – Wooly Butterfly Bush :-)

    I always forget that tough Buddleia. Somehow, I missed your blog being listed, unless it disappeared – fixed! I wonder how many others I forgot to link to so far…new blogs…arrgh!

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  4. Hi David! So nice to see your beautiful new blog – its gorgeous!! Love that blue color – wow!

    Thanks, RS! After red walls and a purple one, the blue was a nice surprise.

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  5. I like the way the cool blue of the bench picks up the cooler tones in both the plantings and the horizon over the mountains. I find the strong horizontal lines very soothing and a great backdrop for the plantings. Really nicely thought out.

    Thanks, designing a garden is a labor of love…and a small garden even better! Yes, on the horizontal lines + a few verticals to grab (sometimes literally)…

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  7. Very, very nice design and plantings working together. I like the blue and the paver selections.

    Thanks, S. Fox! It really has a nice feel with all together.

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