This Silverlake hillside backyard began as a steep, erosion-prone slope - beautiful views but not a lot of functional space. The redesign focused on stabilizing the hillside, preventing runoff, and creating level, usable areas for outdoor living. Layered terraces now provide distinct “rooms” for dining, lounging, and gathering around the fire pit, all connected by natural stone and gravel pathways. A lush mix of drought-tolerant and California native plants softens the hardscape, provides erosion control, and brings year-round texture and color.

Design Highlights:

• Level terraces carved into the slope to create flat, functional areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining

• Erosion control planting with deep-rooted natives, grasses, and groundcovers to stabilize the hillside and reduce runoff

• Natural stone steps and gravel paths for safe, attractive movement between levels

• Fire pit lounge framed by low-water plants and night lighting for year-round enjoyment

• Privacy hedges and screening plants that enclose spaces while preserving hillside views

Why It Works:

By addressing erosion control and grading first, this design transformed a steep dirt hillside into a lush, low-water retreat. The terraced layout maximizes usable space while improving stormwater management. Drought-tolerant planting not only thrives in Silver Lake’s dry climate but also ensures the slope remains stable over time. The result is a backyard that feels both inviting and resilient; ready for gatherings, quiet evenings, and seasonal blooms.