Garden Renovation: Berkeley, California

Historic architecture surrounded by a contemporary garden may seem an uncomfortable pairing at first. But for Art Berliner and Laura Werlin's garden, designed by landscape architect Randy Thueme, the partnership works beautifully. Judges praised the design for its simple, direct, modern approach, and for the way it uses outdoor sculptures as accents. "Garden art should harmonize with its surroundings," noted a juror. "The designer accomplished this superbly."

Thueme made a concerted effort to reuse and recycle as many elements as possible. He reduced the front lawn and relocated camellias, ferns, and Japanese anemones to fill in the enlarged planting beds. At the rear, one of three original concrete pads was retained and recut for a slate patio. A second slate patio leads to a deck, which was modified and refinished. In spring, bulbs, flowering cherry, and wisteria bloom in concert. Sculptures are carefully placed to provide focal points.

Old and new mesh elegantly here, said the jurors.

Designer: Randy Thueme Design, San Francisco (415/495-1178)