The homeowners also changed the trim color and red tiles on the roof to better compliment the newly completed garden. Even so, it's almost unbelievable that it's the same home because the transformation was so profound.
And before any of you eagle-eyed readers bring up the lack of utility wires in the "after" photo, rest assured it wasn't photoshopped. Dee, one of the homeowners, stated that the city moved the utility lines underground in 2007 (the "before" shot was taken in 2004). What I wouldn't give for my own city to move all the unsightly wires underground!
For more on this renovation (and a TON more amazing posts), check out Sunset's blog, Fresh Dirt.
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
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My Staple Summer Cocktail Recipe: Campari & IPA Spritzer
Easy Pickle Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi Bites
wow!
I know undergrounding of utility wires sounds great, but what the picture doesn't show is that the trade-off is that some poor homeowners on the street get stuck with unsightly above ground clusters of utility boxes in their front yards. And they have no say in where they go. San Diego has chosen not to recess the equipment under panels because it would be too expensive. I've seen these boxes ruin the look of yards in these historic neighborhoods.
This one looks nice though.
Bummer that they painted the house. The blue trim and red tiles were a nice contrast and made the house look more unique.
LOVE that landscaping... so beautiful, and fits the house so well.
The landscaping is amazing! I'm really sad that they painted over the blue trim. It was beautiful and very authentically southwestern.