Descanso Gardens Master Plan
Descanso Gardens Master Plan
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
RANA teamed with RIOS to provide a Master Plan that envisions a new era for Descanso Gardens. One of the few large botanical gardens in the Los Angeles region, Descanso has the unique distinction of managing 80 acres of wild and rugged chaparral in addition to the more cultivated garden.
RANA developed an ecological framework from which to drive the management and stewardship of the property and in so doing, illustrated valuable opportunities for the garden that further their mission as a center for ecological and environmental education. Our design team was particularly focused on the relationship between the grounds and the surrounding wilderness and how Descanso could play a valuable role in regional wildlife connectivity. Another priority for us was the relationship of the garden, it’s water use, water storage and the watershed. Uniquely positioned, Descanso is at the headwaters of a large watershed and steep slopes surround the garden on three sides. During heavy storms, sediment laden runoff inundates the garden’s water features and drainage system. RANA and the design team developed a suite of improvements that both clean the water for storage and allow runoff to contribute to a higher functioning ecosystem.
Completed
2020
CLIENT
Descanso Gardens Guild
LOCATION
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
TEAM
RIOS, RANA, Biohabitats