"Moditerranean" Outdoor Transformation in Terrell Heights

This Terrell Heights backyard is proof that a smaller space can still have a lot going on. After a new pool was installed, the homeowners were left with a torn-up yard and an opportunity to rethink the space around it. They wanted a Mediterranean feel, but one that made sense for San Antonio’s climate.

Working alongside Cody Pools, we created a landscape design for the space around the new pool using clean lines, natural stone, blue pottery, and Texas native and adapted plants. The goal was to capture the Mediterranean character the homeowners loved with plants and materials suited to South Texas.

A large-format Lueders limestone walkway creates a clean path into the backyard, with Arizona Sunset river rock and Shadow Stone adding warmer color and texture. We were also able to reuse pavers left from the pool construction to create a new patio rather than letting good material go to waste. A small artificial turf area adds year-round green and gives the compact backyard another usable surface.

The planting beds use drip irrigation to keep water use down, while landscape lighting makes the pathways easier to navigate and highlights the plants and stonework after dark.

One of our favorite details is easy to miss. The homeowners are good friends with their next-door neighbors, so we added a gate between their yards. Now the families, including the dogs, can visit each other without taking the long way around the block.

The finished yard has the Mediterranean warmth the homeowners wanted, translated into a landscape that makes sense for the way they live and for San Antonio’s climate.