Beauty, Biodiversity, & a Sense of Calm

1 month after install

Before

We just wrapped up this lawn-to-native conversion in Monrovia — a peaceful, inviting space designed to bring beauty, biodiversity, and a sense of calm to the front yard.

At the heart of the garden is a hugelkultur mound and a dry swale — both functional and sculptural — helping to slow and sink rainwater when it arrives.

The planting palette was kept simple and intentional: foothill sedge, red buckwheats, penstemons, and manzanitas create a soft, resilient backbone. The existing Chinese fringe, which adds structure and seasonal color, became an inspiration to build from — helping shape the zen-inspired feel we aimed to create in this garden.

We used a mix of gravel, flagstone, and mulch to guide your feet — and your senses — through the space, creating a gentle shift in texture and experience as you enter the garden.

At the center, culinary herbs chosen by the homeowners offer aroma, flavor, and a personal connection. And to top it off, a young Valley Oak was planted — a future giant and a lasting gift to the neighborhood and Monrovia ecosystem. (Original tree had to be removed due to damage sustained from January windstorm)

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After completing projects, we gift 2 large shade tree species to residents in the project's neighborhood to spread our impact. We planted this Red Oak (Q. rubra) next door from the project site.