Not long ago, this two-acre property was a commercial avocado orchard. Today, it is a large home on two acres, with views of beautiful California native chaparral. 

In our first meeting, the owners shared their dream of growing enough food to feed themselves and to share with the local food bank. My concept for this garden included spaces to grow food, to honor and connect to the surrounding native habitats, and to incorporate sustainable practices.  

The property presented a real challenge. It is a very steep 2-acre hillside, so we had to design to accommodate an extreme slope in front as well as in back. Think: how do you get to the house from the curb?  It’s that steep.

This garden features:

• A park-like setting with winding, stone-lined pathways. All the stone used comes from on-site
• A meandering dry streambed planted in natives. The streambed captures rain and runoff.  
• Native plants that connect to the surrounding chaparral plant palette and serve as a way-station for native birds, insects, etc. 
• Colorful, textured drought-resilient plants from other Mediterranean climate regions of the world. 
• A fenced-off orchard to exclude deer
• An enclosed vegetable garden
• A large backyard entertainment area that includes an outdoor kitchen, seating areas, and more