An outdoor haven with a lived-in feel
A makeover of the Manhattan Beach garden of Greta and Mike Jarvis transformed their little-used backyard into a haven for family, friends and entertaining. The couple turned to interior and garden designer Sandy Koepke, who gave the new patio garden a patina of time by decorating with reclaimed and recycled products. Candles and strands of bulbs illuminate the new balcony-like dining room on the terrace once occupied by a spa. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
The two-level patio garden is decorated with fragments from the past, which Greta likes as an alternative to the cookie-cutter look of modern gardens. Her garden has a wood burning fireplace-conversation area, an outdoor kitchen and bar, dining room and breakfast nook with a cafe set. Here the simple decorative touch of votive candles. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
The Jarvis two-story Mediterranean-style home, built in 1997, had no easy access to the backyard. Nine-foot-tall lanai-style doors that fold open, accordion-style, now make the back of the house seem to disappear. A view of the outdoor dining room from inside the house. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
The Jarvises and their daughter Annika relax in seating arranged around the wood-burning fireplace, made from golden stucco and topped with a rusted grain bin, re-purposed as a chimney. Handmade iron chairs and a daybed, found in Mexico, are upholstered in all-weather fabric that resembles Guatemalan blankets. An 18-inch raised planter box gains new purpose as a cushion-covered bench. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
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Water trickles from antique spigots mounted on a half-wall, evoking an Old World fountain. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Rusted or oxidized metal, worn stone and weathered wood suggest a timeless feeling. These elements are ideal for exterior use because you dont have to worry about further exposure to sun, wind, saltwater or rain, says interior and garden designer Sandy Koepke. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Homeowner Greta Jarvis and the family dog, Asia, surrounded by vintage containers that hold most of the plants, making this a low-maintenance garden. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Seasoned materials and objects personalize the Jarvis garden. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
