Menlo Park Mood: Breathing New Life into a Shaded Space
Lara Hermanson
A GARDEN IN NEED OF RENEWAL
When Farmscape designer Max Miller first visited this client’s home in Northern California it was clear that the garden had potential. The homeowner, a great collector and green thumb, needed help assessing and editing her collection of pottery and plants, and assistance creating intentional areas for gardening, hanging out, and her outdoor spa.
In order to achieve this, Max started by measuring the sun exposure, and found the yard was split dramatically down the middle: one side shaded, the other side sunny. Combined with a modest budget, this project required a careful balance between practicality and vision.
SIMPLIFYING AND PRIORITIZING
The transformation began with editing. More than fifty pots were pared down to ten-ish favorites, which allowed us to put them on an irrigation system for ease of maintenance. This allowed for new redwood raised beds and the homeowner’s small greenhouse to be placed strategically in the sunniest areas. Additionally, Max went through the client’s plants and used as many as he could in the design, to be able to dedicate more of the budget towards a new flagstone pathway to the sauna and cold plunge.
DESIGNING WITH THE CLIENT IN MIND
One of the standout aspects of this project was the client herself! Her yard was already a collection of pottery and art collected from a life well lived, and while she wanted a yard upgrade, she didn’t want to do away with meaningful objects. Designing to celebrate these personal elements led to a project that looks like no other, and requires a flexible designer like Max.
Instead of imposing rigid plans, Max focused on creating a framework the client could make her own. By keeping select pots and preserving her personal style, the garden felt authentic and deeply connected to her. As Max put it, the project wasn’t about stamping his preferences onto the site—it was about solving its unique challenges while supporting the client’s vision.
FROM BAND-AID FIX TO FLOURISHING GARDEN
With limited resources, the design could have felt like a quick fix. But the results told a different story. Within weeks of installation, plants doubled in size, thriving under the client’s attentive care. Per Max, “The homeowner gave the plants all the energy and love they needed.”
The result was a space that looked and felt far beyond its budget—an oasis that reflected both thoughtful design and the client’s own passion for gardening.
WHY THIS PROJECT STANDS OUT
Every project has its challenges, but this one became a success because of the collaborative spirit between designer and client. That openness allowed the design to flourish in unexpected ways.
For Max, the most rewarding part wasn’t just the finished garden, but the process of working with someone who embraced both the constraints and the possibilities. This project serves as a reminder that great design isn’t always about big budgets or elaborate plans—it’s about clarity, trust, and giving plants (and people) the space to thrive.
READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE?
Whether your yard is weighed down by clutter or simply needs a fresh perspective, Farmscape can help turn challenges into opportunities. From raised beds to custom orchards, our designers work closely with you to create gardens that reflect your lifestyle and thrive in California’s climate.