The Pacific Coast Builders Conference Welcome Garden — Anaheim, California
Our Sustainable Defensible Space Demonstration Gardens showcase the beautifully rich possibilities within fire-wise landscaping guidelines.
At the 2025 Pacific Coast Builders Conference, the Anaheim Convention Center entrance was reimagined with three striking fire-wise demonstration gardens: California Mediterranean, Cottage Prairie, and Modern Desert. Installed for just two days, these immersive landscapes were created in collaboration with The Home Depot and Everde Growers, who invited us to participate in their live demonstrations of fire-resistant building practices.
Project Details:
Pushing the concept further than expected, we applied sustainable defensible space principles—showing how fire-wise landscapes can go beyond safety to also promote beauty, resilience, and ecological health. Each garden corresponded with an innovative prefab ADU installation that showcased the latest in fire-resistant materials—including one structure dramatically burned the day before to illustrate resilience in action. Together, the gardens revealed how defensible space strategies can be both transformative and inspiring.
Fire-wise Landscaping Strategies
Our approach to fire-wise landscaping integrates safety, sustainability, and ecological value. By combining water conservation and habitat restoration with defensible space principles, we demonstrated that fire-wise design can be both resilient and beautiful.
The strategy begins closest to the home, with regularly watered, low- to medium-density planting. This creates a green, low-ignition buffer capable of slowing fire spread. Healthy plants with high moisture content are less likely to ignite and provide a layer of protection against flames. While no plant is completely fireproof, those with bendable, fragrance-free leaves, thick or silver-gray foliage, and hairy textures are more resistant. With proper irrigation and maintenance, these plantings reduce ignition risk and add lushness to the landscape.
Learn more about defensible space vistit https://defensiblespace.org/
Check your local code & regulations.
Zone 0: The Ember-Resistant Zone
The first five feet around a structure—known as the Ember-Resistant Zone (ERZ)—is the most critical area for preventing home loss. Our design illustrates how keeping this zone clear of ignition sources, while integrating resilient hardscape and plantings, creates a strong first line of defense against windblown embers.
Zone 1: The Home Protection Zone
Extending at least 30 feet from the home, the Home Protection Zone is designed to be “lean, clean, and green.” When maintained and irrigated, this area acts as a protective buffer that prevents fire from moving toward the house.
Evergreen Quercus: Fire Fighters
Oak trees are natural allies in fire-prone landscapes. Their dense canopies deflect and smother embers, while their ability to cool surrounding air and retain year-round moisture makes them ecological heroes. In past California wildfires, properties shielded by Coast Live Oaks were spared due to the trees’ natural ember-blocking qualities. Protecting and restoring oak woodlands not only safeguards communities but also enriches habitat for countless species.
Innovation Beyond Expectation
By incorporating defensible space principles into immersive demonstration gardens, we showcased a vision of fire-wise design that exceeds baseline safety standards. These landscapes prove that resilience, sustainability, and beauty can thrive together—setting a new bar for what fire-wise gardens can achieve.
Credits
Collaborators: PCBC, CBIA, The Home Depot, CalFire, and Everde Growers
Status: Completed, 2025
Photography: Erika Ilkei-Hajós and studio pappaterra