Originally developed for gardens in the arid regions of the Mediterranean, the walled oasis is a low-maintenance concept that can be adapted to any area and any size property. The relatively small yard shown here is ideally arranged for anyone who enjoys outdoor living more than gardening, yet there are enough plants, both inside and immediately outside the walls, to soften hard surfaces and provide some color and a sense of lushness. The seven-foot-high walls give homeowners privacy without making them feel confined, thanks to the window openings in the stucco walls and the see-through iron gates. The designer carefully crafts the view through the main window to include a statue, which is positioned at the end of the sight line to create a dramatic focal point. Shrubs with variegated foliage and colorful bark create an unusually beautiful view through the smaller window. Two water features, a fountain and a cascade, provide soothing sound effects and coolness in the heat of summer. Soft-textured evergreen trees are positioned for privacy, while three horizontally branching flowering trees add drama throughout the year. A hedge bordering the semicircular lawn may be pruned formally (if you're willing to put in the extra effort), or left to grow naturally for a softer appearance. The flagstones in the terrace are set in concrete for easy maintenance. Although the lawn is small enough for quick mowing, it can be replaced with a groundcover that needs no mowing at all. Low-maintenance water features are the focal points in this walled oasis, just as they were in the original Mediterranean versions. More than just decorative, the cascading water has a calming and cooling effect.