Ultra-Private Compound in Temple Hills
On the market for the first time in decades, 1947 Rim Rock Canyon offers a singular opportunity to own an ultra-private 1.8-acre compound with expansive ocean and canyon views. This largely flat parcel in a prime Temple Hills location features incredible panoramas from nearly every corner—an ideal canvas for those looking for an opportunity to build a dream estate. As secluded as it is tranquil, this property is accessed via a gate at the end of a long, gently sloping driveway. Beyond it, the terraced lot offers meticulously manicured grounds with several lookout areas, creating the ultimate tranquil haven. While removed from the bustle of the city itself, this one-of-a-kind estate offers easy access to Laguna Beach’s renowned galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and beaches.
PROPERTY:
1947 Rim Rock Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
OFFERING PRICE: $4,700,000
AGENT INFO: John Stanaland | 949.689.9047 john.stanaland@elliman.com johnstanaland.com DRE# 01223768
Aleks Korfanty
Chris Tebbutt
NATIVE GARDENING
LANDSCAPING WITH DROUGHT-RESISTANT DESIGNS CAN MITIGATE MAINTENANCE AND LOWER WATER BILLS.
BY TANYA A. YACINA / COURTESY OF LATITUDE33 MAGAZINE
Coastal Orange County is lucky in that it sits next to the ocean, but that doesn’t save plants, vegetation and landscapes from the usual lack of fresh water, which is where a drought-resistant landscape plan comes into play.
“People should conserve water because water is an important part of everyone’s life. Droughts in California are not a new phenomenon,” says Jose Gallardo, a water use efficiency specialist at Laguna Beach County Water District. “In fact, droughts are increasing in intensity and length. By conserving water now, we are better suited to get through the current and future droughts.”
Gallardo notes that late summer rains helped reservoir levels throughout the state to rebound and the Sierra Nevada snowpack continues to break records. “But, while storms have eased dry conditions,” he says, “drought is likely to return. California has a
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right: Chinese wisteria is drought tolerant. above: The waterwise demonstration garden outside of the Laguna Beach County Water District office downtown offers examples
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history of deluge and drought. In addition, California’s groundwater levels have fallen dramatically during the state’s droughts and have been depleted by decades of heavy pumping. The Colorado River, a main source of water for Southern California, is in a two-decades-long drought, which has caused its massive reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, to plummet. The recent rains, while welcome, are not enough to alleviate that state’s water problems entirely. It will take multiple years to fully recover.”
Gallardo says the main benefit of drought-resistant plants is water savings. Once established, a native and drought-resistant landscape requires infrequent watering and less hands-on maintenance than a traditional garden. Native plants also provide habitat and food for local pollinators and wildlife.
Landscape architect Ann Christoph agrees that since the area has a climate featuring long periods without rainfall, drought-resistant plantings help to sustain landscapes continuously without great investments of water or extra maintenance. Not to mention, these landscapes look more appropriate to the region, she says.
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Succulents add a nice, green backdrop for a few pops of color in low-water landscaping.
WEEDING THROUGH PLANT CHOICES
Christoph explains that drought-resistant options include a variety of succulents and other leafy plants adapted to the local climate with deep roots, the ability to catch moisture in the air and funnel it to the roots, and hardened leaves that reduce transpiration. These types of plants are in the hillsides and greenbelt and in the other Mediterranean regions of the world. A comprehensive plan is needed to produce a drought-resistant landscape that also meets the needs of a home setting.
“Pick the ones that are easiest to grow and that will fit into the space you have available. Baccharis pilularis prostrate hybrids (coyote brush) is a good one to start with,” Christoph advises. “Encelia californica (coast sunflower) is another one that is easy to grow. Some native plants are so adapted to drought that they don’t do well in a garden setting where there is likely to be supplemental watering.”
Planning these types of gardens can be complex, but landscape architects specialize in this task. Gallardo recommends working with a licensed landscape contractor for just this reason.
“Each landscape has unique needs and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone,” Gallardo says. “Do some research and ask around to see if anyone you know may have recently made changes to their landscaping that you like. Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas or designs from other successful landscapes.”
Wisteria is one—perhaps surprisingly— drought-tolerant plant recommended by Ruben Flores, owner of Laguna Nursery and landscape design firm Visionscape.
“The wisteria is a grand showstopper,” he says. “The fragrance of the wisteria is heavenly, the showers of bloom are so soft and cascading. It is fast growing, but still takes time for it to cover a large expanse [such]
as … [an] arbor or a wall trellis, but well worth the wait. … The wisteria is highly drought tolerant can endure even in the most severe heat and cold—truly a favorite of most gardeners.”
When it comes to lawns, Christoph doesn’t recommend using artificial turf as a replacement for real grass because, although it may seem like a good way to mitigate water usage, it requires a substantial initial investment and will need to be removed and replaced after some time, which creates more plastic waste. She also recommends utilizing a spray system with rigid pipes for watering because they are more reliable than drip systems and also moisten and clean surrounding leaves. She notes that it’s necessary to carefully adjust the spray system to avoid run-off
onto adjacent paved areas.
“A real lawn is much better environmentally and functionally,” she says. “But lawn areas should be confined to spaces where they are needed for use—for play or walking, not just to fill in areas you don’t know what to do with. Those are places for ground covers and shrubs.”
She says the watering frequency for this type of landscape depends on the weather, as well as the sun and shade pattern and the stage of life of the plants used. She recommends looking at a plant as one would a growing child—be sensitive to its needs. She also notes how important soil tests are in choosing plant material to assure the success of planting: Many drought-tolerant plants don’t do well in clay soil, so it’s best to know what you’re working with in advance.
“The main issue you want to stay away from is grouping plants together that have different water needs,” Gallardo explains. “An effective drought-resistant garden is correctly hydro-zoned to avoid over- [or] underwatering plants. Hydro-zoning should be done during the planning stages and involves grouping plants with similar water needs together.”
GOING GREEN
Creating a yard that’s more sustainable and saves money may be the goal, but how a homeowner wants their landscaping to look will dictate the amount of maintenance a drought-resistant garden will require. For example, Christoph says, if a naturalistic look is desired, clipping and hedging is not only unnecessary, but also counterproductive. She says to let natural duff accumulate on the ground, and don’t
rake and remove organic material from the ground surface.
“Raking is a task [that’s] not needed. Until plants have covered the surface, hand weeding will be necessary,” she says. “Your garden will look like it belongs in California, not like it is trying to duplicate a garden from a different, wetter climate.”
Gallardo says the main way that native plants can help save money is by reducing water usage. Native plants require less water to thrive and have adapted to and are uniquely suited to survive in their native habitat. Overall, they also require less maintenance, which saves time and money.
Gallardo’s strongest recommendation for decreasing water bills is making sure that homeowners understand where the water they use is going. If possible, track water usage with a smart water meter. (If you aren’t sure whether you have a smart meter, ask your water provider who will be able to give you more information and point you in the right direction.)
“In general, a conservative estimate for household water use shows that approximately 50% of a household’s usage goes to the landscaping,” he says. “When the weather begins to change, your landscape watering schedule should change. It’s also important to regularly check the irrigation system for any breaks or issues. The biggest factor we see at our district with high bills is an overactive irrigation system.”
With these tips and some landscape changes in favor of native plants, homeowners may soon have a water-sipping garden that not only looks great, but keeps the green in their pockets.
Rocks and drought-tolerant plants including New Zealand hair sedge and stained glass agave create a tasteful space without green turf.
FROM TOP:BRYAN GERLACH; MELLON
Some low-water landscaping offers an alternative to a full lawn in the front yard.
The Market Report
Single-Family Homes
This week the median list price for Laguna Beach, CA is $4,652,500 with the market action index hovering around 28. This is about the same as last month's market action index of 28. Inventory has increased to 140.
This week the median list price for Laguna Beach, CA is $4,652,500 with the market action index hovering around 28. This is about the same as last month's market action index of 28. Inventory has increased to 140.
Ma rk et Action Ind ex
the Market?” by
This answers “How’s the Market?” by comparing rate of sales versus inventory
Slight Buyer's Advantage
Slight Buyer's Advantage
The Market Action Index has been trending lower for several weeks while prices have remained relatively stable. If inventory continues to grow relative to demand however, it is likely that we will see downward pressure on pricing.
BEACH | SINGLE FAMILY HOMES First America n Titl e
The Market Action Index has been trending lower for several weeks while prices have remained relatively stable. If inventory continues to grow relative to demand however, it is likely that we will see downward pressure on pricing. Med ia n List Price
Med ia n List Price
This week the median list price for Newport Beach, CA is $6,500,000 with the market action index hovering around 34. This is less than last month's market action index of 35. Inventory has increased to 145. Ma rk et Action Ind ex
Slight Buyer's Advantage
Ma rk et Segments
Each segment below represents approximately 25% of the market ordered by price.
Ma rk et Segments
Each segment below represents approximately 25% of the market ordered by price.
