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.