Rick Holden and Sandra Moll have long been known as patrons of the arts here in the South Bay.  Whether they were chairing meetings for The San Jose Repertory’s Board of Directors or opening their home to host a private event benefitting the Institute of Contemporary Art‘s or San Jose Jazz, the couple did it with flair.   So when it came time to relandscape their large backyard in San Jose’s Naglee Park, it should be no surprise that it has a distinctly artistic bent, from Thai artifacts to sculptures by local artists, like Marcia Donohue of the Our Own Stuff Gallery in Berkeley.

Entertainers at heart, the couple wanted a backyard space that would be appropriate for hosting a fundraising reception for 100 people, barbecue for 10 or intimate breakfast for two.  They enlisted the help of San Jose-based landscape designer Cevan Forristt, whose penchant for mixing ethnic treasures and reclaimed architectural artifacts  was just what the couple needed to transform their space into an unexpected downtown San Jose oasis.    “Our designer asked us each to write an essay about what we wanted to see in our backyard. I was not sure if Sandy and I would share the same vision or priorities”  Rick said.  “He melded our different points of view, brought his resources and hit the nail on the head.  We are out here year-round and the landscape is lush and constantly evolving.”

From antique Chinese soaking tubs to giant Malaysian prayer beads gracing a keyhole concrete wall, the Holden/Moll backyard is a constant delight.   The concrete table seating 14 guests was poured by Forrist himself who embedded broken ceramic plates and pottery as accents.  The pottery pieces were retrieved before a San Francisco shop owner could throw the lot in a dumpster after the Loma Prieta earthquake.  The custom table is surrounded by antique chairs.

Repurposing ancient items for new uses, they converted an antique Chinese horse trough into a beverage cooler. Dinner is often cooked on the gas powered wok hidden in one of the nooks.  A Chinese gate flanked with potted bamboo graces the driveway entrance, while a reclaimed blue antique Indian gate guards the eastern entrance to the patio. Fishing baskets were turned upside down, filled with white lights and converted into outdoor lamps.  The entire property is peppered with creations like bamboo/golden trumpet plant sculptures, lights imported from Mexico and a Buddah in an unexpected corner.   Adjoining the backyard, they have one of the largest collections of SJSU alum Donald Carlson‘s glass art and a contemporary painting by Jenny Do in their downstairs indoor entertainment space.

The hardscape is filled-in with a mix of bamboo, monkey paws, succulents and morning glories to pay homage to their Asian inspiration and create privacy and shade.

Rather than flying half way across the world to see ancient treasures, the Holden’s simply look to their backyard for some zen like relief — Silicon Valley style.

Update:
This post is featured in the San Jose Mercury News Home and Garden section here.

Here’s the complete slideshow: