the garden rehabilitation project

In 2019, our parents moved to Altadena, California, to a corner lot on historic Christmas Tree Lane. A year later, we unexpectedly moved in just as the pandemic began. We were immediately drawn to the large, water-thirsty lawn in the front yard, not out of admiration, but concern. Over time, this concern evolved into a mission: to transform the yard into a multi-layered garden that serves both people and pollinators.

By 2021, we had begun restoring the space; ripping up the lawn, planting native corridors, composting our food waste, experimenting with seasonal vegetables, planting an avocado tree, and building soil health by hand. This work introduced us to Metabolic Studio and the legacy of "Not a Cornfield," which has guided much of our ecological thinking.

By the winter of 2024, our plot had transformed from just two rows of corn into a three sisters plot, salsa garden, and native plant habitat, which we were excited to continue expanding. We were stringing up our Christmas Tree Lane decorations with a new sense of stewardship.

Then came the Eaton Fire.

Just days after returning from our honeymoon, the Eaton Fire swept across the foothills. The Gray family home was spared (likely thanks to our centurionary deodar cedars), but the land was scorched, the soil visibly altered and contaminated, and everything changed. Our parents have just returned to the home, and we have since been exploring ways to lead a remediation effort rooted in care, community, and action.