A monotonous backyard is ideal for a gorgeous garden makeover, especially if it is overgrown or lacking charm. Renovating your area can improve its appearance and make it more useable for hosting guests, allowing pets to roam, or simply relaxing. As nature returns, individuals reconnect with their surroundings after years of urbanization. Donna and Caitlin Whelan, a mother-daughter design team from Southern California, are setting the standard by demonstrating how to transform conventional outdoor spaces into vibrant, plant-filled sanctuaries.
Their famous TikTok video demonstrates how they transformed a basic backyard into a lush habitat garden. It has fascinated gardening aficionados by providing a behind-the-scenes peek into environmentally friendly landscaping. Donna and Caitlin Whelan, the mother-daughter team of Whelan Design House, are well-known for their high-end interior design projects that prioritize creating sustainable, human-centered homes.
Their design philosophy focuses on eco-friendly materials, advising clients to shun synthetic fabrics and chemicals. Their concept extends to outdoor places, as seen by their viral backyard transformation project. “The world is filled of synthetic materials, but we believe there are alternatives. On their website, the mother-daughter pair stated that they steer their clients toward sustainable and environmentally responsible choices, as well as away from chemical-laden textiles and harmful materials. Donna and Caitlin Whelan, the mother-daughter team of Whelan Design House, are well-known for their high-end interior design projects that prioritize creating sustainable, human-centered homes.
Their design philosophy focuses on eco-friendly materials, advising clients to shun synthetic fabrics and chemicals. Their concept extends to outdoor places, as seen by their viral backyard transformation project. “The world is filled of synthetic materials, but we believe there are alternatives. On their website, the mother-daughter pair stated that they steer their clients toward sustainable and environmentally responsible choices, as well as away from chemical-laden textiles and harmful materials.
The 18-part video series demonstrates how they transformed a drab yard into a bright, environmentally friendly setting. Donna and Caitlin point out that the existing grass did not support the local ecosystem and consumed too much water. In the United States, the quest for ideal lawns has resulted in the usage of non-native plants, affecting local ecosystems. To fight this, Donna and Caitlin removed unwanted grass and trees, demolished concrete, and replaced it with more sustainable alternatives.
The end product was a garden that benefits local wildlife and improves the environment. Caitlin and Donna Whelan transformed their uninteresting backyard by replacing non-native plants with those that were more suited to the local climate. Native plants, according to Defenders of Wildlife, are better adapted to the local environment and require less water and pesticides. The mother-daughter pair chose drought-tolerant plants, emphasizing local and regionally appropriate species. Among their choices was the wattle-leaf acacia, which thrives in Southern California’s dry climate and has vivid yellow blossoms and fern-like leaves.
They also chose apricot mallow, which has bright orange blossoms that attract butterflies and emit a delicious, honey-like scent. The ultimate effect is a bright, eco-friendly garden that promotes beauty and sustainability. Caitlin and Donna applied their creative skills to the mundane garden renovation, integrating beautiful accents. They positioned a lovely wooden seat under the shade of a Palo Verde tree and sprinkled sculptural tables across the yard.
By using native plants and engaging with nature, you may help to create a healthy, sustainable ecosystem in your garden. Anyone can grow a successful garden with careful planning and the correct plants. Here’s Whelan’s TikTok video demonstrating some of the native plants they utilize for a boring backyard transformation: