Andrea Doonan horticulture + design

09/21/2026

Zone zero not ready for prime time... yet. Glad they are not rushing with a one size fits all and hopefully adding the nuance needed.

Zone 0 Regulations Withdrawn from OAL Review — What Happens Next? - Wildfire Los Angeles

California’s effort to finalize its new Zone 0 wildfire regulations has encountered an unexpected procedural turn. The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has withdrawn its Zone 0 regulatory package from review by the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL). The regulations had ...

09/16/2026

Join us for another Catching H2O + ADHD collab event. We'll talk about rain harvesting, plant selection, boulder placement and other design principles in this fun hands-on workshop. For this and other events (including shower greywater at the same site) check out the link below!

Upcoming Events - Catching H2O https://share.google/sjhfUafboETgnMwSf

09/02/2026

I say there are two kinds of vines - one that's too happy and one that's not happy enough. Pick your poison. On our alley facing fence I installed eye hooks with galvanized steel wire every foot or so and planted ONE passion fruit. Swipe to zoom out. Yes we need to prune it out of the grewia and keep it wrangled in a couple times a year but we get to share fruit with our friends, neighbors, and colleagues... and I make so many popsicles (current fave; just pulp with mango juice, no sugar). Haven't watered it at all this year but it gets some runoff.

A disclaimer to people who want edible plants in their garden: We talk a lot about the work in the garden but we don't talk about the work in the kitchen because when it rains it pours. Over the years of being a gardener, designer, and a cook, I have gathered many, many recipes and creative ways to preserve bumper crops. Try me! What are you preserving from your garden right now?

08/22/2026

The Summer issue of California Landscape Design is out and the theme is outdoor living. Lots of fun projects featured including one of ours installed by Drab to Fab. In our Kensington case study I discuss the many benefits of flex space over permanent built-ins. Check out the online magazine here.

Summer CLD 2026

Our newest issue—Outdoor Living: Connection, Comfort and the California Lifestyle—explores how landscape design can extend everyday life beyond the walls of the home. From spaces designed for gathering and entertaining to gardens that invite rest, recreation, and connection with nature, this edi...

08/13/2026

This is your summer PSA to embrace the seasons. Brown is a color too 🤎

07/13/2026

What a treat to return to the office and discover this 5 page feature in San Diego Magazine. Thank you Aaryn Belfer for this lovely piece and for spreading the word about the transformative impact of gardens that connect us to ourselves, community, and support biodiversity.

You can read the full article here https://share.google/TwnRz2JUNGgXK5x8l

06/26/2026

Gardens age like w**e, and some things you just can't replicate without time. I'm always delighted when clients invite me into their spaces that have evolved over decades for fine tuning and renovations. This kindred spirit shares my love of natural materials and creating art. From the mosaics and garden art to the cob building they built with their own hands to the rock walls, wood gates and screens, this garden has character and soul. Thanks for letting me be part of your garden story!

05/26/2026

Kensington makeover! Just one year in (still growing) and already shining. One design challenge was maintaining the backyard driveway footprint in case it needed to be used in the future, while not making it look like a driveway. We reshaped and replaced it with a permeable (white criva pebble) flex entertaining space and weathered brick dining pergola. We have more flex space for seating in the front yard and colorful waterwise pollinator friendly plants throughout. We especially love the new brick entry, native sedge lawns, and sweet cottage vibes. Cheers to the entire team, including our clients. Together we brought every detail together. Y'all know I love a good collaboration!

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