Mediterranean Outdoor Living Garden in Walnut Creek, CA
This Walnut Creek landscape design by Olga Stritar reimagines the backyard as a modern Mediterranean garden inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of California’s wine country.
The property originally contained a small vegetable garden and a children’s play area, while the rest of the yard was largely unused. The new homeowners envisioned transforming the concrete-dominated space into an inviting outdoor living environment where family and friends could gather, relax, and entertain.
The design introduces a layered planting palette of olive trees, grapevines, lavender, rosemary, and other climate-adapted species that thrive in the Bay Area climate. Gravel pathways and modern concrete stepping stones create movement through the garden while complementing the architecture of the home.
Together, these elements create a backyard that feels both elegant and relaxed—capturing the atmosphere of Mediterranean landscapes while supporting everyday California outdoor living.
LOCATION
Walnut Creek, CA
DESIGN STYLE + PARAMETERS
Mediterranean, climate-adapted Mediterranean plants
PROPERTY SIZE
6700 sq. ft.
Inspiration + Goal
The Outcome
The completed landscape transforms the backyard into a modern Mediterranean retreat designed for entertaining and relaxation. Climate-adapted plantings—including olive trees, grapevines, lavender, manzanita, rosemary, and sage—create layered textures and seasonal interest while remaining well suited to the local climate.
At the center of the design, a plunge pool with an integrated hot tub forms a focal point for leisure and social gatherings. A contemporary pergola provides shade and structure, while concrete stepping stones set in gravel guide movement throughout the garden.
The combination of drought-tolerant planting, refined hardscape, and thoughtful spatial planning results in a backyard that feels both luxurious and welcoming—an outdoor living space that reflects the casual elegance of California wine-country landscapes.
Create Your Own Mediterranean Outdoor Retreat
Inspired by this Walnut Creek garden transformation?
Landscape designer Olga Stritar specializes in creating outdoor environments that blend timeless Mediterranean aesthetics with modern California living. Each landscape is thoughtfully designed to complement the architecture of the home while enhancing lifestyle and property value.
From Mediterranean gardens to elegant outdoor entertaining spaces, every project is crafted to thrive in the Bay Area climate while delivering lasting beauty.