We first discovered our passion for gardening at our previous home in Denver, Colorado. When we began considering a move, one of our biggest hopes was to find more space to grow and a longer gardening season. On our first visit to La Casa del Castaño, we knew we had found exactly that.

With ¾ of an acre, five levels of gardens, and a mild Zone 10a climate, we now have the space—and freedom—to grow, experiment, and learn.

On our travels, we’re always drawn to gardens for inspiration. In Giverny, France, we were captivated by the rose gardens and Japanese-inspired spaces. In Sintra, Portugal, we found endless inspiration at Monserrate, with its lush, layered landscapes and sense of wild beauty.

Our dream is to slowly transform our property into a series of distinct garden spaces—places to pause, relax, listen to birdsong, and take in the scent of flowers and herbs. Little by little, we are making that dream a reality. It has taken patience, effort, and a lot of hands-on work to clear the land and discover what thrives in each area

We both tend the garden in different but complementary ways. Fallene gives the plants their weekly “haircuts,” trains the roses, and gently keeps pests like aphids in check. Kyle grows seedlings, tends the vegetables, and keeps everything nourished and thriving.

Here are a few spaces we’ve transformed so far:

• The Rose Garden‍

• The Vegetable Garden

Currently in progress our Japanese inspired garden