Between the king palm and the dwarf olive trees, the garden's seating area channels Italy by way of California. It’s encircled by layers of drought-tolerant Jerusalem sage, lamb’s ears, and California lilac, along with large boulders, for an intimate, tucked-away feel. The studio, where the homeowner often paints, was built from redwood salvaged from an old shed found on the property.

Holly Lepere

The low beds, filled with basil, thyme, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens, are bordered with tumbled Cherokee stone. The uneven edges and mismatched stones are deliberate, all to give the impression that the garden has been in place for decades.

Holly Lepere

Flanked by euphorbia and a white rose, this wrought-iron gate was designed by the homeowner and made by a local ironworker. The pillars were hand-chiseled from slabs of Cherokee stone to give a weathered look.

Holly Lepere

Varied textures create vignettes throughout the garden: Here, a small boulder is framed by delicate Santa Barbara daisy blossoms, rounded lobes of jade and echeveria, and spiky agave—all well-suited to hot, low-water conditions.

Holly Lepere

Several fruit trees, including this ‘Anna’ apple, frame the kitchen garden and raised beds, attracting pollinators. Allowing herbs and flowers to spread at the tree’s base maximizes growing space and adds to the free-flowing aesthetic.

Holly Lepere

Given the similarities in climate between Southern California and the Mediterranean, it was easy to choose ornamental plants that evoked Italy. Working with landscape architect Rob Maday, the couple opted for drought-tolerant growers like agave, pittosporum, and salvia, arranging them in deep, layered borders.

Here, large, sculptural succulents, including ‘Blue Flame’ and ‘Blue Glow’ agave, recur throughout the garden, adding structure amid airier plants. They anchor drifts of ‘Electric Blue’ salvia, ‘Compactum’ pittosporum, azure bush germander, and kangaroo paw.