Butterfly Garden Rancho Santa Fe

When we first stepped onto this Rancho Santa Fe property, the landscape felt closed off. Tall, uniform hedges surrounded the home and blocked light, limited color, and offered little connection to the surrounding environment. The clients wanted a garden that felt more open and inviting while also supporting wildlife and reducing water use. The challenge was to remove the visual barriers without losing privacy and to reimagine the space with a softer, more dynamic landscape design.

Our solution was a complete landscape redesign that replaced the hedges with drought tolerant plantings, flowering shrubs, and nectar rich species chosen to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. We introduced decomposed granite pathways and refined hardscape elements to guide movement and create a sense of flow throughout the garden. The result is a colorful, water efficient landscape that feels expansive, alive, and deeply connected to nature. Explore the full transformation in A Water Conserving Backyard Wonderland.