FormLA Landscaping

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FormLA Landscaping

13 Reviews

Play-Ready Contemporary Garden

This play-ready garden creates idyllic habitat for children, birds, butterflies and wildlife in the heart of Century City. Lush, California native greenery holds its color year round, contrasting with the Mediterranean style home's terra cotta tile roof. Seasonal blooms bring bold pops of pink, rust and red into the garden. In the fall, hedges and shrubs burst with edible berries. The garden was featured LA's iconic Native Plant Garden Tour in 2020.

Project Year: 2015

Country: United States

Others who worked on this project: Theodore Payne Foundation

Rather than opt for a fence or hedge, striking succulents define the border between a lush, native meadow and the sidewalk. The bold reds and rusts of Paddle Plants draw attention to the home's striking tile roofline.

Succulent Fence

Succulents, including Paddle Plants and Pork and Beans, mix well with sun-loving California native foliage.

Succulents and California Natives

Hummingbirds are drawn to blooming succulents as well as the garden's Island Pitcher Sage, Manzanita and Western Redbud blooms.

Organic Hummingbird Feeders

Within the front garden, a "flower" bed full of native, mid-height accent grasses defines the property line and adds privacy. In the fall, golden seed heads emerge from blue-grey Wild Rye as well as the bright green mounds of Deer Grass. The red tips of Paddle Plants and Red Yarrow blooms rise from...

Lush and Leafy Lawn Border

During rare moments when not in bloom, Red Yarrow's feathery foliage continues to add texture and greenery to flower beds. It is a great addition to kids' gardens, as they delight in the texture!

Red Yarrow Blooms

Island Snapdragon blooms are another favorite for kid-friendly gardens. When not in bloom, its bright green, waxy foliage is almost succulent-like... and who can resist the red kissy-faced blooms - not the hummingbirds!

Island Pitcher Sage

Like its native cousin, Eastern Redbud brings shade and ever-evolving seasonal color to petite spaces. Here, it shades the entry to the back garden and provides a measure of privacy.

Eastern Redbud

Eastern Redbud leaves emerge from a riot of candy-pink blooms in spring and transition to a deep maroon in fall.

Fall Color: Eastern Redbud

A slender flower bed alongside the path to the back garden is well shaded. Candy-pink Alumroot blooms dance alongside those of Hummingbird Sage. Giant Chain Ferns round out the mix of high-texture, shade-loving foliage.

Alumroot

This IdealMow lawn of native Carex pansa is ready for play! Mown, as it is here, it looks like a traditional lawn. Left to grow, it will form undulating waves of green.

Expansive IdealMow Lawn

While parents often preserve lawn space for play, kids gravitate to trails. Here, kids get to feel and hear the crunch of gravel as they run. How fun!

Kids Love Trails!

Want to make a kid giggle? The bright pink pom-pom blooms of Red Buckwheat have that effect. Maybe because they are often full of butterflies!

Red Buckwheat

In fall, a manzanita along the trail offers berries, as does a nearby Catalina Cherry hedge. In spring, both fill with blooms.

Manzanita Berries

Citrus trees do well among the native grasses and foliage. Because the natives need no fertilizers or pesticides to thrive, fruit is also chemical free.

Citrus Trees with Native Plants

A cozy outdoor lounge looks over the full garden, a great place to land when the playing is done.

Outdoor Lounge and Play Space