A Terraced Garden Sanctuary in the Hollywood Hills

Interior designer and author Mark D. Sikes calls the garden his favorite space in his entire Hollywood Hills, California home — a tucked-away sanctuary that feels worlds removed from Los Angeles, even with the city skyline in view.

When Mark and his partner Michael first moved in, this was the biggest project on the property: the whole hillside between two streets was an overgrown tangle of wild palms, and some 13 semi-trucks of dirt were removed to carve out the terraced garden that exists today.

The result is deliberately simple — brick patios and steps, potted boxwoods, big ficus trees forming green walls, and terracotta pots filled with seasonal annuals like geraniums.

The garden climbs in levels: a grassy knoll, a parterre garden with a fountain, and an upper viewing bench with the best view of the LA skyline, magical at night.

A fountain sits at the heart of it — something Mark recommends to everyone — positioned so its serene sound carries into the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms.

Overhead, the fig ivy planted just twelve years ago now blankets the entire house, making it feel romantic, cozy, and wonderfully old. Striped awnings over the Juliet balconies add a final touch of pattern.