Tom Henthorne and Rob Wiley live among lichen-encrusted trees on a San Rafael hilltop overlooking San Francisco Bay, in a garden that Tom designed. The centerpiece in their picture of California living, the garden glows with dense plantings of exotics.

Photo by Jay Graham

ABOVE: A path descends from the house to the seating area. Tom had the furniture made in Bali to his design. At right, a monumental Brazilian bromeliad, Alcantarea imperialis, produces a towering flower stalk.  Tom’s garden bears the imprint of his and Rob’s travels to tropical destinations from Bali to West Africa.

Photos by Jay Graham

ABOVE: Brilliant bromeliad color at left evokes the saturated atmosphere of tropical Brazil. Thriving in cool Bay Area climates, nikau palms (right) impart a luscious tropical feeling.

Photo by Jay Graham

ABOVE: A balmy spirit pervades a gathering of simple wood furniture of Tom’s own design and sculptures gathered during his travels with Rob. Exotic, tight-knit, colorful perennials and arching palms furnish the garden with its tropical soul.