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Backyard playland Clockwise:PlaytimeisfamilyandfriendstimeattheBoninohome.Plungeintothepoolwithitsowndivingboardorswirlinonthetwistyslide. – Photo provided by SoundVision, Novato, CA; A multi-purpose basketball court.–PhotobyAJBonino;Thebocceballcourthaslightssuspendedfornighttimeambiance. – Photos provided by SoundVision, Novato, Calif.; Artificial grass is used for the lush putting green that looks and feels real. – Photo by AJ Bonino "We are so lucky in Marin; we have so many options for things to do," says Linda Bonino, who designed the yard with her husband and acted as general contractor for its construction. "You really need to make it attractive to stay home." The concept for the Bonino back yard stemmed from the old-fashioned Sunday suppers, Linda says. Families would get together for a big meal, sit around and talk, read, nap, and play all afternoon. The Boninos wanted to provide a place for their large extended family to gather and enjoy the same experience. "It's a place for the family, but also for friends to gather," Linda explains. "We have our son's Boy Scout troop and row- ing team over for parties, too." Experts agree Professional award-winning landscaper Eileen Kelly of Dig Your Garden Land- scape Design and designer Angelica Papio of DIY Edible Gardens, agree that staying home is one of the new trends in outdoor living. Even though they did not work with the Bonino family on their back yard project, "There's an ongoing trend of enjoying your own environment," she says. "A staycation,"says Eileen Kelly. "Overall, people are thinking about a lifestyle," she says. "They want to integrate the garden into their lives," says designer Angelica Papio. This also means bringing in more technology, Papio notes. The TV/sound system in the Bonino back yard is one example. Another is using smart controls for irrigation to save water. Saving water "The drought is such a big deal that people have really been pressed to find alternatives to lawns," says Papio, who plants meadow grass and prairie mixes as lawn substitutes. The Boninos considered lawn alterna- tives, and chose artificial turf because of the size of their backyard playground. And because it is low-maintenance, they also installed it in the front of their house, where it looks entirely natural among the real plantings. But artificial grass may not suit every- one's landscape requirements. "For those who want that typical lawn look," Kelly says, "consider Silver Carpet. It's low water and you don't have to mow it." To keep borders and flower beds low water/low maintenance, "succulents are "Yes... it's all about play time." " – Linda Bonino 10 February 26, 2017 North Bay Home A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com

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