Benedict Canyon: a modern yard in the mountains

What the canyon demands

Canyon properties come with two constants: slope and water that has somewhere to go. A modern, low-water palette suits both — less irrigation demand, and planting that holds ground without fighting the site.

The concrete planks with gravel joints do real work beyond the look. Permeable joints let water through rather than sheeting it downhill, which matters more in a canyon than almost anywhere else in the city.

Corten and cedar were chosen to age. Both weather into the palette instead of looking tired against it, which is the difference between a modern yard that reads intentional in year five and one that looks dated.

The palette and the hardscape

• Concrete plank walkways with gravel joints
• Corten steel and cedar planters
• Drought-tolerant planting: agave, cactus, succulents
• Decomposed stone and gravel groundcover
• Specimen olive