Lockerbie Lane Residence
In the fall of 2021, I drove up to Whiting Woods to meet Johnny and his family. Enveloped by a canopy of old growth Coast Live Oaks and Western Sycamores, the neighborhood is a sanctuary for bears, bobcats, coyotes, and deer. Built in 1956, the mid-century cabin was ready for a new chapter.
As we walked the property together, we imagined how the landscape might evolve and come to life. In 2024, Nestor and Pancho began the transformation, clearing dense English ivy and removing swaths of concrete. Their early mornings often included encounters with black bear families and bobcats moving through the woods.
My planting palette drew inspiration from the surrounding chaparral of the nearby Verdugo Hills, while also honoring the area's wild history. We installed a complex floating staircase at the entrance and introduced a rich understory of California native plants, including ceanothus, manzanita, and yarrow. Although the deer still stop by for an occasional nibble, the garden has flourished, creating a landscape that supports both the home and the wildlife that has always belonged here.
Install: Nestor Antonia Campos | Photos: Abby Ross
