Rethinking the Space Outside Our Homes

Often, the focus of our work in real estate is on the structure of a home itself – the layout, the roof, and connecting you with the tradespeople to get improvements done. However, some of our personal favorite moments at home happen outside.

For us, the yard has always been where life spills over. It is where our kids played when the house felt too small, where we gather with friends and family, make pizza, grow food, raise chickens, and watch birds and butterflies come and go. It is a really meaningful part of how our home is experienced.

And for many years, we have questioned what that space looks like.

Like many people, we have held onto a traditional lawn for years. First it was for the kids, then for the neighborhood kids, then for the dog. But recently, while spending time in a neighbor’s backyard filled with native plants (and even a couple of tortoises), we found ourselves rethinking what is possible and feeling ready to take the leap.

Across our community, we have seen many homeowners making the shift toward native and water-wise landscaping. These spaces not only reduce water use (which matters more and more each year, environmentally and financially), but also create habitat for birds, pollinators, and wildlife that are already part of our neighborhoods, whether we notice them or not.

There are also practical benefits. Many local programs like LADWP’s Turf Replacement Rebate, and SoCal Water Smart for those outside of LADWP, offer incentives for lawn removal, rainwater capture, and drought-tolerant landscaping, making these changes more accessible than they have been in the past.

Our Earth Day Gathering event is not about having all the answers, but to open the conversation about making these changes in a realistic way. For years, we have wanted to create a space where people can come together, share ideas, ask questions, and learn from others who have already taken steps toward more sustainable, enjoyable outdoor spaces and we hope to make this an annual event. Whether you’re curious, ready to make a change, or just looking for inspiration, this is a place to start.

We have been inspired by so many of you who have already taken that leap, and we hope this gathering offers a bit of encouragement, practical knowledge, and community support for whatever your next step might be.

Here is what we have did:

A native garden walk

At 12 noon, we will take a short stroll through the neighborhood to visit yards and gardens that have been planted with California native species. Native plants are adapted to our local climate, require far less water, and provide critical habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies. 

Project inspiration

We will have a display featuring projects we have seen from clients and others our community — native garden conversions, fire-safe landscaping updates, and water-saving improvements, alongside things we've been working on at our own home. 

A worm composting demonstration

Reduce household food waste and create incredibly rich soil amendment for your garden. We will show you exactly how it works, how little space it requires, and how to get started at home. It's more approachable than most people expect...and great for kids!

Seed swap & planting activity

We will have seeds to swap and a simple planting activity so guests can plant something and take it home with them.

A beekeeper on hand to talk pollinators

Our marketing manager, Courtney, is a beekeeper and will be there to share about pollinators — why they matter, what threatens them, and what we can all do in our own yards to support them.

Refreshments

We will have coffee and light snacks available all morning so we hope you will find time to connect, linger, and keep the conversation going.

See Photos From The Event!