Previously a neglected collection of hardened dry earth,
orphaned succulents, a gnarled tree, and cracked asphalt, this front yard now
boasts an entirely drought tolerant landscape set in decomposed granite and
dotted by three stone boulders.
Bryan
Richards of Real Natives Landscape Design helped the homeowners realize their
dream of transforming this lackluster entrance to their new house, which they
moved into in February of 2011. Inspired
by ecologically responsible gardens and design, as well as by their travels to
places such as Paso Robles, Ojai Valley, Joshua Tree, and Catalina Island, not to mention
hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, Bryan interpreted their desires into painterly
gestures of color and texture with desert appropriate plantings like Palo Verde
trees, Mexican and Jerusalem sage, agave, and echeveria.
To further their commitment to the
environment, they installed rain barrels around the house, use a composter, and,
in the spirit of recycling, planted those left-behind succulents in the
backyard, where they are doing quite well.
