By Patty Gaebe

When Corky and Betty Anderson decided, four years ago, to redo their 2 acre landscape, the called on Steve Cox at Plant Systems Inc. to meet their needs. These included: privacy from busy Cartmill Road, preservation of the many big mature Valley Oak trees on their property, landscaping that is low maintenance and drought tolerant, entertaining areas and a spot to practice their favorite pastime, golf. What you are about to see is the fantastic fruit of their labors. Take special caution as you park and cross Cartmill Road. It is a very busy, highly used thoroughfare. The oleanders and other plantings along the exterior were chosen for the privacy they provide. Notice the delicate Ralph's Creeper roses, named for the local developer, Ralph Moore.

The slump stone and wrought iron gate surrounding the Anderson home is as beautiful as it is functional. Chuck Simonian at Ironworks was commissioned to create its design. Take note of the pistachio branches incorporated into the main gate, as these hold special significance for the Andersons. Once inside, the entry garden, with its four Queen Palms commands immediate attention. The carved stone fountain from Rare Art Motif in Kingsburg has fiber optic lighting and like all the other lighting, is controlled by computer.

The large Jacaranda Tree, with delicate lacy leaves and spectacular purple blooms, is rare to our area. Red Mediland Roses and Lantana are also found here. The Anderson garden, being low maintenance, does not feature many annual plantings. Instead it relies on flowering shrubs for color and interest. This garden is at its best n the middle of our hot Valley summer. One of Betty's favorite plants, English Lavender, is used, not only for its beauty, but fragrance. All the pots, here and throughout the yard, have their own drainage system and are automatically watered.

Directly opposite the fountain is another garden, featuring a huge pot, overflowing with sweet peas for a splash of spring color. Rosemary hedges help delineate the space and give a formal surround. The lush lawns here are Fescue.

The raised planter in the circular drive houses a Live Oak, which is evergreen. At over 20,000 pounds, this was the largest specimen imported to the site. Many small oaks were planted throughout the yard to provide continuity to the already existing oak filled landscape. The drive is mainly pressed concrete, but all the stone on the planters is the real thing and came from Whitewater Stone Yard near Palm Springs.

Following the decomposed blue granite walkway east we begin to grasp the enormity of this property. The varying terrain here emphasizes the park-like setting. This area was reshaped and excavated for interest and to provide an area where the Anderson's can also practice all parts of their "short" game. A tee box is cleverly incorporated at the south end with three holes to the north. Over 200 tons of boulders were moved into the landscape and many here surround the extra large sand trap, beautifully rung with vegetation and Loquat Trees. The lawns on this side are standard Bermuda; however the trap has a Fescue border to simulate the rough on a real golf course.

The Banana trees to your right actually bear fruit, while helping to screen a maintenance area. The Pistachio Trees are some that Corky actually uses for propagation and to aid in developing disease resistance varieties. As you walk, see if you can spot any of the light in the oak trees. Each is completely wired and the choices available range from subtle to extremely bright.

Before you pass through the gate, notice the almost hidden deep pit barbeque and a walkway along the fence line leading to the dog run and kennel. No ones' needs were overlooked, not even the family pets.

Another fountain, with water that cascades like sparkling diamonds is on your right. Three Japanese Maples were original to the property, but moved here. The commanding presence of another huge Valley Oak takes center stage. Lantana is a good choice under the Oak. To your left is a bower of Coastal Redwoods flanking the artificial putting green, complete with a patriotic sculpture. Birds of Paradise thrive here. This is another spot where annual flowers are used to provide a color splash.

Who wouldn't enjoy this terrific backyard setting? From Corky's favorite spot, the fire ring, to the outdoor kitchen, spa and pool, this is an entertainer's paradise. An old deck received the Peters Construction treatment and was recycled into the outdoor kitchen cabinets and charming wooden benches you see here. Mexican chimineas and western bronzes add a decorative touch. Oleander Standards, pruned into trees, accent behind the diving area of the pool, which also received a slight facelift.

A new water garden feature on the back patio has recently been added. The succulents and Birds of Paradise seem to love the trickle of water from the mouth of the Great Herons. Before you exit, take note of the Cotoneaster being trained to climb the bare stucco wall. This is one plant that will not hurt the plaster, but has a lovely spidery look to help soften a boring expanse.

Outside the gate, another huge Oak provides a lovely shady vignette with a grouping of more local boulders. Notice how the shade has encouraged the natural growth of moss on the stones. Lovely multi branching red leaf Plum Trees mark the transition to the graceful Date Palms juxtaposed here, and proof that the desert can peacefully coexist with the foothills. By the way, these palms were actually started from seed.

Thank you Corky and Betty Anderson, and Steve Cox for beautifully blending the idea with reality to create this luxurious estate landscape and allowing us a peek. Even though most of us don't have this size yard, I know many of your wonderful ideas can translate into even the smallest space.