This busy client wanted to create a private, retreat-like setting in his small, weedy backyard in El Cerrito. He wanted the ugly fence to “disappear” from his line of vision and for there to be habitat for wildlife to enjoy.
Before
![El Cerrito retreat before installation](http://www.earthlyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Elm-Before-300x225.jpg)
![El Cerrito retreat before installation](http://www.earthlyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/richard-5-300x225.jpg)
![El Cerrito retreat before installation](http://www.earthlyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/richard-4-300x225.jpg)
Immediately after installation
![El Cerrito retreat right after installation](http://www.earthlyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/richard-after-3-300x225.jpg)
![El Cerrito retreat right after installation](http://www.earthlyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Elm-Immediately-After-300x225.jpg)
![El Cerrito retreat immediately after instal (3)](http://www.earthlyarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/richard-after-2_2-300x225.jpg)
The new plants upon completion look impossibly tiny to ever achieve the lush privacy he dreamed of. However, each year, the garden steadily filled in and after 3 years, his dream was fully realized. The garden became a quiet, green space for him to sit and watch the birds nest and eat berries.
After 3 years