Small changes can make a big difference. Here, monotonous shrubs and vines were cleared to create a central space within the garden. A pic-nic sized native California lawn and playhouse were inserted into the existing stone path system. Columnar flowering plum trees add a vertical element in a contrasting color. A section of stairs was expanded to a generous proportion, providing sightlines and flow to the existing grape arbor. Many shrubs and perennials were preserved in place or transplanted within the design.