The owners of this Saratoga, California, home wanted their backyard to look clean and contemporary with minimal color but lots of unusual yellow flowers. And they had another consideration for their hilltop landscape: One of the owners would be accessing every part of it in a wheelchair.

Landscape architect Rebecca Dye and her team at Design Focus International worked with the site's natural slope to create a series of outdoor rooms, each with their own experience, view and purpose. Winding paths, integrated ramps and artificial grass help make the whole space accessible. Design Focus International The clients both love design and wanted the new outdoor space to reflect their home's contemporary aesthetic and clean lines. Design Focus International The husband in particular wanted a very clean white pool area, surrounded by interesting plants. "I had to talk them into adding color to the building and arbor," says Dye. Design Focus International The home's main entry garden mimics the backyard, welcoming visitors with color and water. Design Focus International A large ramp and winding path at the back of the house are integral to the home and landscape. Design Focus International A poolside arbor, painted the same red as the entryway, provides shade on sunny days. A lounge area at the edge of the hill welcomes the stunning view. Design Focus International Kniphofia species around the edge of the pool bloom at different types of year, depending on the variety. The bold flowers blend with the style of the modern concrete pool surround but add a colorful punch. Design Focus International The garden is about 3 acres total and offers dramatic views out to the hills from each part of the hillside. Dye took advantage of the views in her design, but the particularly windy hill meant that the plants had to be durable. Design Focus International Paths and ramps circle around the hill, inviting the homeowners to explore and discover each space. Dye and her team integrated surprises into the landscape — including seasonal changes and surprising fragrances — so that the garden looks and feels different throughout the year. Here, sculptural Anigozanthos plants cast shadowy sillhouettes around the edge of the garden and against the home's contemporary exterior. Design Focus International Dye and her team designated a kid-friendly playspace with a tetherball area, sandbox and bamboo stepping stone walk. Unique plants encourage curiosity and exploration with fragrance, massive blooms and tall grasses. Artificial grass here cuts down on costs and water use and allows for complete wheelchair access. Design Focus International The concrete base of a massive 5,000-gallon water tank was reused to create this sandbox. Dye added a special area with stones and running water to inspire sandcastle building.