succulent

Nancy Helms stands on top of “dwarf carpet of stars,” a succulent plant that surrounds a large area of her home as a fire prevention method on Rocky Ledge Road in Topanga.

The trees — which are actually succulents — are protected by a special state conservation law and are candidates for California’s threatened species list.

The gardens are designed to have more than 200 species of plants and trees, including palms, oaks, sycamores, succulents and olives.

Inside, the gardens are divided into houses highlighting different plants and climates — from the Palm House with over 70 palms, to the fern room, to the desert house filled with cacti and succulents.

Rows of flowers and succulents sat beside a back wall, ready to be planted by a team of workers from Pierre Landscape.