Weeping Plum Patio


Harland Hand [1922-1998], inspired by the principles of fine art and rock formations in the High Sierra, designed this hillside garden with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.

Using concrete, curving lines and dramatic color combinations, Hand created an emotionally evocative space that houses an extraordinary plant collection.


A very old French prune tree once graced a patio by the Dry River. Hand severely pruned the tree to dwarf it, weighted the branches with fishing weights, pinched back the newest shoots, until he achieved the effect he sought. Some years ago he wrote, “I am slowly recreating the contorted, aged beauty of this profoundly expressive tree.”

This tree finally died and was replaced by a weeping Santa Rosa plum (Prunus salicina).