Foothills Sanctuary
This garden is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of our client’s wife, who was an avid gardener. The serene space blends California native and Mediterranean-climate flora, creating a healing and nurturing environment for both wildlife and people.
Designed by Carol Armour Aronson, this project not only fulfills its functional objectives but also stands as a living, breathing homage to love and memory, fostering a connection between nature and the human spirit.
Our primary goals were to preserve the existing trees, attract wildlife, and address soil erosion in the front yard. The existing terraces struggled with water runoff during rain events. To combat this, we integrated a nearly invisible swale behind a terraced wall, effectively capturing and managing the water flow.
In the shaded areas of the garden, we introduced coral bells, Catalina currant, and California native irises, creating for a lush and textured understory. The sunnier spots now burst with buckwheat, sages, and penstemons that add splashes of color. The central island remains untouched, preserving the client’s wife’s original design.
Garden pathways are thoughtfully constructed with permeable materials, utilizing flagstone set in decomposed granite (DG) for the main paths and pure DG for the smaller trails, ensuring sustainability and ease of movement.
The backyard has been transformed into a pollinator haven, with a dedicated garden featuring milkweed, buckwheats, and yarrow. A peaceful, shaded retreat contrasts ‘De La Mina’ verbena with ‘Canyon Prince’ rye grass.
