Steal This Look: A Deer-Proof Garden in Hollywood Hills

In Hollywood’s hills, garden designer Lauri Kranz of Edible Gardens LA conceived a chic enclosure more reminiscent of an Apple store than of deer fencing. “The screens are large enough to let the bees and butterflies in,” she says, “but small enough to keep rodents, squirrels, and raccoons out.”

Here’s how to recreate Kranz’ stylish edible garden:

Above: Kranz earned a reputation as the “godmother of LA gardens” for her stylish edible gardens. This modernist deer deterrent, with its extra-tall beams, orthogonal panels, and matte black frame stands out even among the views and lush greenery. Photograph courtesy of Edible Gardens LA. 

Above: Height is key to creating this space. Menard’s has 2-by-4-inch boards of MicroShades CedarTone Lumber 8 feet long and pressure-treated to resist corrosion; $6.49.

Above: For high glamor, paint it black. A daring design choice, yes. A false move, not with our Architects’ 8 Top Paint Picks. Among our favorites: Benjamin Moore’s Black Panther and Farrow & Ball’s Railings.

Above: Smooth pebbles allow for gardening while barefoot, and all-white stones elegantly offset black paint. A 30-pound bag of Small Egg Rock Caribbean Beach Pebbles is $11.97 at Home Depot, and is enough to cover .4 cubic feet.

Above: A pair of long narrow beds, positioned side-by-side, creates symmetry and reinforces the grid pattern. A Raised Garden Bed Kit from Mini Farm Box comes with everything you need (screws included). Four standard sizes are available at prices from $159 to $438. The biggest is 4 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 22 inches tall. Custom sizes are also available by calling (323) 224-3938. While it’s designed to assemble in ten minutes or less, pre-made boxes also can be found at Scout Regalia. Assembled Patio Gardens are $300, and 18 inches wide, 30 inches long, and 12 inches tall.

Above: Installing poultry netting is a straightforward process, even for those new to DIY. All you need is a pair of gloves and a staple gun. If you want to deter moles and other digging animals, dig a 6-inch-deep trench around the perimeter to keep them away. A roll of 30 meters of Welded Wire Mesh is £25.99 on Amazon UK. In the States, Lowes carries Blue Hawk 48 Inch By 50 Feet Silver Galvanized Steel Poultry Netting for $37.88.

Above: A sturdy Black Satin Slide Bolt Latch, $7.99 at True Value, keeps the gate closed. Take that, Santa Ana winds.

Above: Why not add a mini bistro set to take in the view? A 30-inch collapsible Folding Table from Fermob is $317, and a set of two Bistro Metal Chairs is $216.