Wildfire Resilient Garden Guide
The Wildfire Resilient Garden Guide is a collaborative initiative led by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains and funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Designed and developed by studio pappaterra, the guide draws from recent wildfire events to envision a more resilient, ecologically grounded future for communities across Southern California’s Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI), or what we call the Living Rim.
The guide helps homeowners, designers, and decision-makers imagine regenerative landscapes that reduce wildfire risk while restoring ecological function. It promotes California native and climate-adapted plants, supports wildlife habitat, and integrates practical strategies such as defensible space, seasonal maintenance, and long-term landscape resilience.
Both educational and inspirational, the Wildfire Resilient Garden Guide demonstrates that fire-resilient, water-wise landscapes can be beautiful, functional, and deeply rooted in stewardship.
The Living Rim Seed Mix*
Designed to heal and beautify our native ecosystems, our custom seed mix brings together resilient, California-native species chosen specifically to support local biodiversity and enhance landscape recovery. Scatter across prepared soil in your garden to encourage vibrant seasonal color. Sow outdoors in full sun when the rainy season begins (fall to early winter is optimal), no deeper than ¼" in the ground. Keep soil moist. Seeds usually germinate in 10–14 days. This helps establish deep roots that anchor the soil and foster a thriving, fire-resilient habitat.
*For use in developed areas in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties only. Please do not plant in natural areas or wildlands without permission.
