At this Atherton residence, a basement-level living wall transforms what would have been a stark retaining wall into a lush, garden-like oasis. Visible from the home’s interior, the vertical garden creates the calming effect of a sunken garden while also helping to cool the surrounding space.

The design relies on subtle shades of green to achieve an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the viewer. A foundation of Ficus repens keeps a tight, seamless cover across the wall, while layers of ferns add texture, depth, and movement. The feathery Dryopteris filix-mas introduces soft highlights, contrasted by the darker tones of Button Ferns that visually recede into the background. Flecks of Acorus ‘Ogon’ punctuate the palette with bright accents, offering moments of spontaneity and a slightly wilder feel.

This understated yet dynamic planting palette allows the wall to evolve naturally over time, giving the impression of a landscape that is both carefully designed and inherently organic—an intimate, green retreat just outside the home’s walls.