Habitat explosion of Epilobium canum (California fuchsia), Salvia apiana (white sage), Muhlenbergia rigens (deer grass), Eschscholzia californica (California poppy), and Baileya multiradiata (desert marigold) replacing a turf lawn — Baileya Residenc
Penstemon 'Margarita BOP' in full bloom beside a granite boulder outcropping, its brilliant purple inflorescences on full display — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Three newly planted Washingtonia filifera (California fan palm) echo existing queen palms and reinforce vertical balance flanking a California native front garden, with Muhlenbergia dubia (pine muhly) marching up the Hollywood strip driveway — Bailey
Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) flushing new spring growth with Penstemon centranthifolius (scarlet bugler) inflorescences complementing Arizona chocolate flagstone steps chosen to echo the Spanish tile roof — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape
Full turf-to-habitat transformation with large drifts of Muhlenbergia rigens (deer grass) traversing the west garden, a repurposed acacia trunk as wildlife habitat, an arroyo crossed by Arizona chocolate flagstone steps, and a small monument wall e
Penstemon 'Margarita BOP' cascading over a sun-bleached granite boulder its delicate purple blooms catching the light — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Locally sourced granite boulders casting shadows along Arizona chocolate flagstone at the main entry path — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) with delicate papery blooms rising above the Arizona chocolate flagstone pathway steps — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Aquilegia formosa 'Yellow' (golden columbine) illuminating a sun-dappled shade garden, its spurred inflorescences a beacon for hummingbirds near a water feature — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA

Residential Garden

baileya

Altadena, CA

At the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in Altadena, BAILEYA captures what a turf-removal project can become when it’s guided by climate consciousness and a deep respect for place. What once was lawn is now a loose, living habitat—an invitation for neighborhood fauna and the quiet choreography of a restored garden.

A rainwater garden sweeps across the front of the property, nearly reaching the street, creating a subtle thread between home and community. Newly planted California fan palms echo the vertical rhythm of the existing queen palms, grounding the composition in its regional identity. Boulders and flagstone anchor the space to the architecture, while a seeping spring boulder—paired with a palette of native perennials and shrubs—deepens the habitat’s carrying capacity and establishes a landscape that feels both resilient and alive.

This project came to life in close collaboration with owners Steve and Laurie, with early conceptual design by Graham and installation by Terra Form Inc. Photography by Patrick Blewett. CRAFT team: Robert Nelson, Meagan Yellott, and Stephen Blewett.

Credits

Landscape Architecture

CRAFT LA

Photography

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Builder

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Owners

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Process + Documentation

Landscape design rendering showing California native habitat garden with flagstone path, boulders, deer grass, and flowering perennials at a Spanish Colonial residence — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Preliminary landscape site plan showing turf removal, native planting zones, arroyo, boulder placement, and flagstone path layout — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Hand-drawn sketch studies exploring boulder and monument wall placement for a California native habitat garden — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Client and installer positioning repurposed acacia trunk as wildlife habitat feature during construction — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA
Installation crew planting Washingtonia filifera (California fan palm) with crane equipment during landscape construction — Baileya Residence by CRAFT Landscape Architecture, Altadena CA

Video of seeping spring boulder water feature installation — Baileya Residence, Altadena CA