Holly Knoll Drive

upon finishing a certification program in ecosystem restoration, Helga was met with an opportunity to begin a land recovery project after residents of a los feliz home experienced an epic flea infestation brought on by rats living in the overgrown non-native bushes. the tree trimmers spared very little and most of the land was left gutted, practically a blank canvas accept for the wild fig tree, palm tree, citrus trees, succulents, rose bushes, and some relentless invasives. none of which helga wanted to support, but some were the client’s choice to keep. she was able to get rid of most of the high-water consuming plants like the roses, replacing them with the Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose). By the time helga began this project, the soil was quite compacted from months of no water. she began an initial process of bringing in compost, mulch, and sowing native California dandelion (Agoseris grandiflora) to help loosen the hard-packed soil, aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. Both the front and back gardens were sloped. she designed plans that included some light terracing and drought tolerant natives that do well on slopes such as the Junglans Californica (southern california’s black walnut) and her favorite Cercocarpus betuloides (Mountain mahogany)—also perfect in narrow areas as hedges and for the birds and butterflies.