The garden's native plants retained their vibrant colors and textures through the water-restricted summer of 2022. The sturdy and resilient foliage featured here includes (California native) Oregon Grape, Deer Grass, Juncus Patens, Hummingbird Sage, Dwarf Coyote Bush, and Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat.

The homeowners have hardened many of the home's features, and they intend to address the eves. For now, they are freshly painted and well maintained. Well established trees are kept limbed up away from the eves and roofline.

Further away from the home, railroad ties form retaining walls, stairs, and boundaries for the decomposed granite trails. Hillside foliage is authentic to the Verdugo Mountains and includes mounds of sunny Monkey Flower.

Abundance native plant life helps stone and concrete walls retain the steep slope behind the home, surrounding the patio and home in greenery. A system of trails eases maintenance and brings the joy of being out in nature.

Inspiration for a contemporary two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Omaha with a hip roof, a mixed material roof and a black roof

With the Verdugo Mountains wrapping it on all sides, the home itself has been hardened to wildfire. It has a Class A roof, fire-rated vents, well maintained stucco and epay siding, as well as firm window and garage seals.

Trendy two-story mixed siding house exterior photo in Omaha with a hip roof, a mixed material roof and a black roof

The BBQ and Bar built into the retaining wall were part of the garden's original 2009 remodel. Breaks between concrete pavers are also part of the original design and help sink stormwater and runoff from the slope.

Photo: Caroline Sharpnack © 2019 Houzz
Living room - shabby-chic style enclosed dark wood floor living room idea in Nashville with multicolored walls and no fireplace

Contemporary two-story mixed siding house exterior idea in Omaha with a hip roof, a mixed material roof and a black roof

An umbrella shades the homeowner's favorite place to take in views. The addition of the ember resistant rock and stone close to the home and fence made it possible to add deeper seating. Because the furnishings are metal, only the cushions and umbrella fabric need to be stored on red flag days.

Inspiration for an industrial home gym remodel in Boston

A cozy outdoor lounge looks over the full garden, a great place to land when the playing is done.
Design ideas for a mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard gravel lawn edging in Los Angeles for winter.

While homes in the urban wildlife interface (UWI) face greater fire dangers, homeowners can choose to make them much safer. By conscientiously addressing architectural vulnerabilities (home hardening), homeowners protect firefighters and reduce their chances of losing a home. An ember resistant Zone 0, effectively spaced and placed foliage supported with smart irrigation, and conscientious maintenance can add further defenses. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

A peaceful backyard sanctuary featuring a crackling fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating, paired with a gently cascading stream over natural stone, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and connection with nature.

Gutters and downspouts are important for the health and well-being of your house. By directing roof runoff away from your foundation walls, this drainage system is your first line of defense against basement or crawl space flooding. For more information, check out: https://www.olynroofing.com/gutters-and-downspouts/

Gutters and downspouts are important for the health and well-being of your house. By directing roof runoff away from your foundation walls, this drainage system is your first line of defense against basement or crawl space flooding. For more information, check out: https://www.olynroofing.com/gutters-and-downspouts/

During the January 2025 LA Fires, wood fences were one of the top 2 sources for home ignition, according to a CAL FIRE + IBHS after-fire assessment. Should the wood fence here ignite, this metal portion would not transfer fire to the home.