A devastating wildfire left the Hinch family’s yard in ruins, prompting them to rethink their landscaping strategy. The couple, living in Porter Ranch, faced an eye-opening $3,000 water bill that led them to eliminate much of their existing lawn, setting the stage for a more sustainable, fire-resistant landscape filled with native plants.
It was the early hours of October 10, 2019, when Phil Hinch woke up to frantic knocking at his door. Home alone with his two children while his wife Margaret was in New York, he quickly realized they were in imminent danger as a barrage of sparks erupted from the hillside. With adrenaline coursing through him, he gathered the kids and pets, hurrying to escape the chaos unfolding outside.
From a safe location, Phil watched in horror as flames consumed their yard. Despite the destruction igniting everything from trees to newly planted flowers, their home remarkably remained untouched—thanks in part to a glitch in their internet connection which had caused their security cameras to go offline, leading them to believe all was lost.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Hinches returned to discover their backyard was left in shambles, a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires. Most of the landscape was reduced to ash, including a once-thriving koi pond and terraced areas that had been painstakingly created by previous owners. As they surveyed the damage, a glimmer of hope emerged: a chance to start fresh and create a more drought-tolerant garden that could thrive in California’s unpredictable climate.
Initially captivated by the spaciousness of their one-acre lot, the Hinches were disheartened to receive their first water bill, which revealed they’d used an astounding 108,000 gallons over a two-month period. This revelation forced them to take action, prompting the couple to remove most of the lawn and instead embrace the beauty of California’s native flora.
Paul and Margaret began experimenting with various drought-resistant plants. While endeavoring to replant their yard, Margaret realized the best approach would be to draw inspiration from the vibrant, resilient plants creating stunning scenes on neighboring hillsides. This led to the inclusion of native species such as white sage, evening primrose, and yellow lupine into their design, while some established walnut trees revived unexpectedly after the chaos of the fire.
Transitioning to a native plant landscape is an ongoing journey for the Hinches. They initially incorporated fast-growing non-native plants to stabilize the soil, but Margaret’s ultimate goal is to replace them with local varieties that can withstand the elements and attract beneficial wildlife.
Over the years, the couple has invested significantly in reshaping their yard, even turning a destroyed playhouse into a new project for their children. In order to prepare for potential future fires, they’ve made thoughtful adjustments—removing flammable materials near the house and implementing water-efficient irrigation.
Now, their water usage has dramatically plummeted to under 20,000 gallons for the same summer months. Beyond typical landscaping, the transformation has invited nature into their space, attracting birds, pollinators, and playful squirrels, which have turned the garden into a lively habitat.
Margaret is enthusiastic about sharing the beauty and lessons of their journey with neighbors, hosting gatherings while celebrating the harmony of their newly revitalized landscape. For her, the garden embodies a shared experience, a bond with nature that reflects her family’s values and resilience through adversity.