Not all autumn gardens are rich in traditional burnt hues and fallen leaves. In California, where the temperatures are still comfortably hitting 80°F, we see a different landscape. One of structured, drought-tolerant planting and still-lush foliage.

When landscape designer John Sharp set out to create this garden in Pasadena, the brief was a feeling as much as a plan. The owners wanted to bring a sense of childhood wonder to create a family-friendly garden, evoking the character of a naturalistic Californian native landscape while still feeling intentional and livable.

The garden occupies the majority of the 11,700 sq-ft site and wraps around a house designed between 1909 and 1911 by architect Louis du Puget Millar, whose work reflects the Arts and Crafts movement. It's located on an oak-lined street, where dense tree coverage create a naturally shaded atmosphere.

The space is designed to feel expansive while still maintaining a sense of privacy beneath the mature oak canopy.

‘The garden is organized as a series of distinct outdoor enclaves and wellness areas, designed to function as a collection of open-air rooms,' says John Sharp. ‘Each zone offers a different experience, from more active, family-oriented spaces to quieter, more intimate areas for retreat and reflection.’

The design approach of the house balances respect for the structure’s Arts and Crafts character with a more contemporary, lived-in warmth, incorporating natural materials, curated vintage elements and artistic details collected over time.

The result is an interior that feels cohesive with the garden beyond. John says one of the key questions was exactly that connection.

‘One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the landscape felt like a natural extension of the historic residence rather than a contemporary addition,’ he says.

‘We were intentional about material selections, favoring a timeless and grounded palette while still allowing for a new design language to emerge that felt interesting and esoteric. The goal was to create a garden that felt as though it had always belonged to the property, yet still carried its own distinct voice.’

Undoubtedly, a stand out feature of this garden is the exquisite pool. Enclosed by mature trees, the pool is the part of the garden the owner had long dreamed of, reminiscent of the one he grew up with.

Working closely with the family, the Studio John Sharp team developed a terracotta tile striped pool design that extends the interior language of the home into the landscape.

‘The result is a private garden sanctuary that functions both as a place of childhood imagination and adult gathering,’ says John.

‘It has become a setting for family cookouts and evenings spent around the custom fire pit, surrounded by organic boulders that double as informal seating.

'Ceramic pendant lights cast a dreamlike glow through the trees, while bells from the Arcosanti foundry add a subtle, wind-driven soundscape that transforms the garden into a fairytale.’

The front yard was designed as a natural playscape for the owners’ two young daughters, and features a rock labyrinth woven with edible plants and herbs.

Fruiting trees, herbs and drought-tolerant species were chosen for both structure and usability.

Edible elements were integrated throughout the garden to support everyday cooking and a more hands-on relationship with the landscape.

‘The overall effect is a garden that feels naturalistic and wild, while still feeling intentional,' describes John.

‘Mature citrus and persimmon trees are woven into the site, reinforcing the sense of abundance and seasonality throughout the property.’

Terracotta tones, organic flagstone and decomposed granite were chosen for their warmth, permeability and ability to age naturally within the landscape over time.

‘Together, they create a grounded, earthy foundation that complements the planting palette and reinforces the garden’s sense of continuity with the surrounding environment,’ says John. ‘The overall effect is subtle and cohesive, allowing texture and material variation to define the character of the space.’

The intention was a garden that feels elevated yet relaxed, equally suited to everyday family life and more atmospheric evening gatherings. ‘This balance was achieved through a contrast of strong architectural elements and a more naturalistic planting approach,’ says John.

‘Defined features such as the pool and fire element provide structure, while a wild, organic planting palette softens the landscape and allows it to evolve and grow in a more effortless, natural way over time.’