Woven willow fences, made by Bay Area craftsman Neil Curry of the Willow Farm, frame graveled outdoor rooms that are shielded from the intense sun by roof panels of the same willow.

In this hilltop Sonoma County garden with Mediterranean-like dry summer heat, shelter is key. Spheres of silvery lavender formalize a naturalistic border of blue California lilacs and other easy-to-care-for plants.

The style of the garden is informed, in part, by the family's agricultural roots, which reach back four generations into California's Central Valley. Here, olive trees and a pristine pool frame the view of the hills around the Alexander Valley.

Tom Klein and Kate Kelly enjoy their vineyard's Cabernet.

Large clipped spheres of terbium nestle among lavender balls, low olive hedges, and chartreuse stands of euphorbia.

Landscape architect Andrea Cochran describes this planting style as "Provencal with a California twist." Flowers, such as Ceanothus 'Concha,' are fleeting in the garden.

Evergreen olive trees and 'Little Ollie' dwarf olive hedges line the house's entrance.

The garden's signature mix of textural green-, silver-, and blue-leaved plants provides all-season interest.

Ornamental grasses flourish on a hillside by the entrance.

Work some of these subtle beauties into your landscape for year-round appeal and less tending than a complex flower bed.
1. Lamb's Ear
This velvety plant is a garden classic; 'Big Ears' has large, floppy leaves.
2. Catmint
Nepeta's crinkled leaves hold their own even without the blue flowers.
3. Sweet Bay
In areas colder than Zone 8, try cherry laurel instead of this hedging plant.
4. Euphorbia
Blue-green leaves support chartreuse flowers in late spring and early summer.
5. Greek Horehound
The scalloped foliage of ballota remains sturdy in the hottest weather.
6. Rosemary
7. Teucrium
It's easy to clip this fast-growing silvery germander into a tight ball.
8. Santolina
With its soft needlelike leaves, this fragrant plant forms a natural ball shape.
9. Olive
Choose 'Little Ollie' for its compact habit and willingness to be shaped.
10. Yarrow
The felted-looking leaves of this achillea almost outshine its tiny flowers.
11. Lavender
Cut back these herbs yearly. Try 'Grosso' and 'Hidcote Giant' for impressive displays.
12. Oak-Leaf Hydrangea
This shrub has creased foliage and white flowers that turn pink in fall.