SYLVIA
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
Existing: established Oaks way up on the hillside beyond the deer fence + Salvia leucantha
NEW highlights: Grevillea 'Sylvia' grafted via Flora Grubb + Aloe ‘Hercules’ + Cussonia paniculata v. sinuata + Aloe rubroviolacea + Chamaerops humiliation ‘Cerifera’ + Romneya countering ‘White Cloud’ + Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’
Dream project because the homeowners are in my neighborhood and they’re raising a little boy who is the youngest plant lover I know. It’s a full sun sloped lot with some existing terracing in the back. Removal of all invasive plants + rosemary that was way past its prime was a necessary step to give us a clean slate in the front. Decades old steps had become hazardous so a new entry was created. Making room for a hot tub, fire pit + ADU office was achieved by reclaiming some of the front yard into the side/back area with an incredible vertical slat fence. The plants make this an all-time favorite project because we’ve added some amazing color and created a bit of a collector’s garden. Completion Winter 2026.