Resilient in Brentwood
(cont.)
At the side of the house is a lawn composed of dune sedge, kept mown for social gatherings, that uses 50% less water than the preexisting traditional turf. The lawn leads to a meadow of native and climate-appropriate grasses mixed with annuals and perennials for visual interest throughout the year.
Beyond the meadow, an oak woodland stands serenely on the perimeter slopes. The California-native oaks, under-planted with ceanothus and manzanita, provide a hospitable environment for local wildlife and, as an added bonus, require no water during the summer.
Closer to the house, the swimming pool is bordered by a semicircle of dramatic tree aloes, replacing combustible queen palms. The nearby firepit, constructed to maximize the breathtaking views, leads to a pollinator-friendly succulent garden filled with striking South African varieties that are favored by humming-birds. Once established, these plants require no supplemental watering.
Photographs by Saxon Holt
