Kensington Residence An existing pool took up much of the backyard space at this home in an older neighborhood. The owners wanted to redo the pool as well as undertake a landscape renovation that would result in more privacy and useable outdoor space. Two flagstone patio spaces were designed, along with an open beam shade structure, cook center, and raised planter walls. Planting pockets in the patios allow espaliered plants to soften the walls of the house. The pool was replastered and retiled. A lead heron with a water spout was placed at the head of the pool for a fountain effect. A lattice fence along the property lines created more privacy. The relatively small planting beds were filled with tropical plants that are uplit for dramatic nighttime effect. The result is a tropical oasis that makes the small backyard seem bigger than it really is.