Photography courtesy of Kathleen Whitaker

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of LA’s Echo Park neighborhood, jeweler Kathleen Whitaker has created an oasis of calm seclusion. Step into her 14,000-square-foot garden, and all is peaceful. “The piece of land was a huge selling point for us,” she says. “Living in Southern California is all about bringing the outdoors in–whether it’s the lush surroundings or the beautiful LA light.”

A small patio area is filled with pea gravel.

An antique coffee table provides a weathered counterpoint to rattan outdoor furniture.

The property's hillside faces north and receives indirect light.

Whitaker places drought-tolerant succulents on the sun deck behind the house, which is unshaded.

A stepped terrace is planted with a mix of coleus, heuchera, and asparagus fern, among others.

Xanadu philodendron, star jasmine, and variegated vinca round out the terrace. 

A cotton hammock provides the perfect place to relax.

Whitaker brings her garden inside with a cutting from her split leaf philodendron.

Potted plants on the front porch straddle the interior and exterior worlds effortlessly.