It’s the entrance from the street that creates anticipation for seeing just what’s in the backyard.

There’s going to be a lot — an extravagant palette — of color. The plants will have low water needs. And it’ll be just a little eccentric. Oh, and did I mention all the color? Where there was once grass and weeds Chris and Julie Wilhemy transformed their canyon-side garden into a brilliant dream staycation spot filled with Flame Giant pincushions, Mystic Spires, Whirling Butterflies, a variety of sages, including yellow-flowered Jerusalem sage, autumn sage, Mexican sage and friendship sage. There are coneflowers, English lavender, dragon trees, Bougainvillea, foxtail ferns and — out at the edge of the garden near the canyon — Plumeria. And there are even edible plants. The couple offered color tips for gardeners in my new story for The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Home and Garden section. Check it out!

And many thanks to photographer Kristian Carreon for his gorgeous shots!