Santa Barbara -- Charles W. Davis Property

According to the garden documentation compiled by the Garden Club of Santa Barbara, In 1940, the original owner of this 1.22 acre commissioned Lutah Maria Riggs, Santa Barbara's first female licensed architect and one of the first women in California to be named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, to build the house, garage, and landscape on the property. The current owner, an architectural historian, purchased the property in 1994 after the original owner's death and has made minimal changes to the gardens in order to preserve and showcase the work of Lutah Maria Riggs.

This property exemplifies Riggs' design sensibilities and the influence of European landscapes that often include sculpted hills, valleys and artfully framed views. She was known for her ability to integrate the functionality of a house with that of its landscape. In the design of this property, Riggs intentionally fitted the landscape to match the surrounding mountainous aesthetic. Naturalistic stone pathways connect the main entrance to the lower gardens, allowing easy access to the entire site. Native plant material, California oaks, and the natural woodlands provide the structure to this organically shaped garden. The intentionally irregular design of rock formations such as rock gardens, dry walls, and path boulders to emphasize the view of the mountains. The organic nature of the site is also emphasized through the use of unpainted fencing and gates, a small stone patio, a small water feature, and large boulders placed along the pathways to provide potential seating for visitors. A water garden, succulent plants, lavender, salvia, and honeysuckle can be found throughout the property.

Persons associated with the garden include: Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Davis (former owners, 1940-1994); Lutah Maria Riggs (landscape architect, 1940).