LANDSCAPING

outdoors

r

uss Cletta, a Southern

California landscape archi-

tect, knows how to leverage

his expertise. “I struck a deal

with my landlord,” he says. “If

I fixed up the property, he

would give me an extended

lease.” Naturally, Russ wanted to avoid a big

investment in someone else’s property, so he

focused on creating high style at a low price.

Inexpensive building materials such as

gravel, cinder blocks, and pressure-treated

wood form the backbone of the design. Seating

made from simple materials and garage-sale

finds offers relaxation on a low deck. Tile

backerboard and salvaged plywood, stained a

soft blue and attached to a custom-built frame,

cloak the tiny yard with privacy.

Russ softened hard edges and brightened

the muted palette with decorative objects.

b r ig h t

IDEAS Inexpensive splashes of color add flavor to Russ’s yard. Beaded candle lanterns in spicy hues, top,

and potted succulents,

above left,

bring light and life into the mix. Russ used scrap fabric to cover pillows,

above

right,

which brightly accent a bench made of stacked concrete blocks topped with a fabric-wrapped plank.

7 0 AUGUST2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS