Cher and Sonny Bono’s late 1960s garden in California offers a timeless example of low-water planting that combines bold textures and architectural elements. Today, horticulturists highlight how this look can guide modern gardeners seeking stylish, sustainable options.
- Use drought-tolerant succulents and agaves for texture and resilience
- Combine container and tiered planting for depth and variety
- Adjust watering habits to suit container plants in dry spells
What happened
In the late 1960s, Cher and her then-husband Sonny Bono transformed the front garden of their Encino, California home into a masterpiece of low-water landscaping. Their design prominently featured architectural plants such as large agaves, complemented by drought-resistant flowering plants and leafy succulents arranged in containers and tiered beds. This created a textured, stylish look that focused on both beauty and practicality in an arid climate.
The combination of different plant shapes and planting methods—including trailing plants softening the edges—gave the garden a layered and inviting feel. Photographs from that era reveal how the garden acted not only as a welcoming entrance to the home, but also as a statement of ecological mindfulness and artistic sensibility, resonating with modern homeowners who want to balance aesthetics with sustainability.
Why it feels good
Low-water plants like succulents and agaves are inherently well-suited for warm, dry regions due to their minimal watering needs and durability. These plants bring a sense of calm and enduring beauty without demanding constant care, making outdoor spaces more relaxing and less stressful to maintain. Experts praise succulents such as the Jade plant, Aloe Vera, and Sansevieria for their varied textures, easy upkeep, and even practical uses, such as Aloe’s soothing sap.
Adding containers, especially terracotta pots filled with greenery, adds dimension and height to gardens, improving the visual appeal and allowing growers to easily manage plant health. This sensory satisfaction comes from watching a thriving garden take shape and flourish despite challenging conditions—a celebration of nature’s adaptability.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Cher’s approach, starting a low-water garden today is accessible with the right plant selections and care techniques. Use fast-draining soil mixes and high-quality succulent fertilizers to promote healthy growth. Be mindful that container plants dry out more quickly than in-ground beds and may require more frequent watering, especially in hot weather. Choose appropriately sized plants to prevent overcrowding containers.
Homes & Gardens offers curated gardening tools, from rolled-rim planters to specialized gloves, to help you confidently recreate this look. Exploring different succulent varieties through starter packs can be a fun experiment to find what suits your environment best. Whether you want to add Mediterranean-chic charm or simply reduce water use, Cher’s garden design is an enduring source of practical inspiration.