LOCATION: Lafayette, California | ZONE: 9b
FIRE PIT: Lumacast
FURNITURE: HAY + Galanter & Jones
BUILDER: Vince’s Landscaping
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER: Dena Rochelle
PLANT MATERIAL | Agavaceae, Asparagaceae, Fabaceae, Polypodiaceae
NEW highlights: Grevillea 'Sylvia' grafted via Flora Grubb + Aloe ‘Hercules’ + Cussonia paniculata v. sinuata + Aloe rubroviolacea + Chamaerops humilis ‘Cerifera’ + Romneya coulteri ‘White Cloud’ + Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’
Existing: Quercus agrifolia ‘Coast Live Oaks’ + Salvia leucantha
Close to home, in every sense. The homeowners are raising one of the youngest plant lovers around. A full-sun, sloped lot with existing terracing in the back. The front asked for a clean slate: out went the invasive plants and rosemary long past its prime. Decades-old steps had become hazardous, so a new entry was designed in-house — poured concrete treads stepped into the grade, paired with a rebuilt moss rock retaining wall. The pairing modernizes the approach while honoring the mid-century architecture of the house. Reclaiming part of the front yard into the side and back made room for a hot tub, fire pit, and ADU office — anchored by a striking vertical slat fence.
An all-time favorite — the rare project where every layer, from the steps to the plants, was curated with the same eye.
Completion: Winter 2026.