Tongva Park in Santa Monica is a drought-tolerant Eden

Plant shapes are echoed in the cages that jut out from the western edge of the park with platforms for viewing Santa Monica Bay and the pier. The park opened in October 2014.

Plants that flower in different seasons keep the park colorful and visually interesting.

In what was once a paved parking lot, now gardens of agaves grow.

Fiery bitter aloe blooms amid a variety of succulents.

Plants form patterns within a design that incorporates pathways, fountains and sculptures.

Vibrant bougainvillea ‘James Walker’ pops out against native grasses and agave.

The design team added hills and hollows to the flat surface. Within the park, the foliage and a sunken throughway mute the noise of the 10 Freeway as it curves into Pacific Coast Highway.

Red Peruvian lilies grace the park. The city spends about $100,000 per year on maintenance.

Recirculated water is used in this waterfall the forms a shallow stream in Tongva Park.

Black tree aeoniums surround a northern sharkskin agave in a hilly section of the park.