A new patio on the west side of the residence is the focus of this design. Container gardening is a versatile, easy-to-maintain solution for gardening on hardscape. Large containers increase the plants' vertical height, visually breaking up the blank canvas of the residence's exterior wall, creating an inviting setting and providing a buffer against reflected heat. A hardy tree such as a dwarf non-fruiting Olive can withstand heat and drought, while attaining enough height and width to provide some shade for the patio area. The plants for the border next to the sidewalk are also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, and well-suited to the client's preferred modern, naturalistic style.