Plants +
People
A study of the symbiotic relationship between
humans and the gardens they tend to.
At ORCA, our work begins by understanding that it doesn’t end — a landscape is an ongoing dialogue, shaped by seasons and in response to our environments. Plants + People is an ongoing exploration of what it looks like to plant roots, to honor cycles, to inhabit space, and to accept impermanence through the perspectives of individuals we admire.
In early June, we were invited into Max Kingery’s garden nestled in the hills of Topanga, California. Max is the owner and designer of Olderbrother, a sustainable clothing brand deeply rooted in nature. It’s only fitting that Max’s garden is equally harmonious with its surroundings, featuring an abundance of California natives, pollinators, and wildflowers. Read on to learn more about Max's journey to the garden.
max kingery
014 max kingery
region: topanga, california
plant community: anacardiaceae, asteraceae, lamiaceae, papaveraceae, polygonaceae
photography: justin chung
“I always have appreciated beauty but this felt holistically enriching to restore a natural system that had been disrupted.”
Where did your connection to plants come from?
I was introduced to the concept of native plants and habitat restoration and it made a meaningful connection for me but then it became obsessive. Countless hours on Cal-Scape and identifying plants on hikes. The entire process has helped me get a deeper connection with the landscape around me and expanded from plants to birds and insects. I always have appreciated beauty but this felt holistically enriching to restore a natural system that had been disrupted.
romneya coulteri
(matilija poppy)
The Matilija Poppy, also known as the "fried egg plant" or "California tree poppy," is a flowering plant native to southern California and northern Baja California. The Matilija poppy can grow to 6 to 10 feet tall, sometimes even taller under ideal conditions. Blooms from late spring to mid-summer, typically from May to July.
Describe how your garden: feels, smells, sounds, tastes.
Exciting, stressful, and bursting with spring energy. The bird and butterfly activity is really satisfying and my favorite scents are in full bloom.
What is your first or earliest memory of being in a garden?
My most vivid are of recent memories experimenting and succeeding and seeing things thrive and the beauty that follows. Hummingbirds, various bumble bees, butterflies, moths, and volunteer natives that show up!
What plants are currently in your garden? What’s thriving?
Wild flowers! My daughter and I sowed 14 lbs of native wildflowers this year in perfect timing for the heavy rains. This the first year I’ve been successful and we are having a huge succession of blooms.
What plants do you use for cooking or healing?
Healing and experimentation. My favorite is pulling essential oils from different natives like artesmisia californica, artemisia douglasiana, and salvia melifera.
Do you have any garden traditions that you've inherited or learned and plan to pass on?
We try to spend as much time as possible in the garden and I hope that is a tradition that carries on.
What are your plans for your garden in the next 5 years?
To keep going and eventually to start propagating what is successful by seed and also a lot more native grasses.
gilia capitata
(globe gilia)
Gilia capitata, also known as Bluehead Gilia, Globe Gilia or Blue Field Gilia, is a flowering plant native to western North America. The flowers are small and densely packed into spherical clusters, usually blue or lavender, but sometimes pink or white. Blooms from late spring to early summer, typically from April to July.
eschscholzia californica
(california poppy)
The state flower of California, bright, the Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) is known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers. Found in environments such as grasslands, coastal dunes, and open woodlands. Blooms mainly from late winter to early summer, with peak blooming in spring (March to May).
rhus integrifolia
(lemonade berry)
Rhus integrifolia, commonly known as Lemonade Berry, is a shrub or small tree native to coastal areas of Southern California and belongs to the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Typically grows between 3 to 10 feet tall with thick leathery dark green leaves consisting of small, sticky, reddish berries that have a tart flavor.
penstemon parryi
(parry's penstemon)
Penstemon parryi, commonly known as Parry's Penstemon or Parry's Beardtongue, is a perennial flowering plant native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Thrives in full sun and can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions.
artemisia californica
(california sagebrush)
Artemisia californica, commonly known as California Sagebrush or Coastal Sagebrush, is a shrubby plant native to California and Baja California. The narrow gray-green leaves give the plant a feathery appearance with aromatic foliage. Flowers from late summer to fall, typically from August to October.
eriogonum giganteum
(st. catherine’s lace)
Eriogonum giganteum, also known as St. Catherine’s Lace and Giant Buckwheat. This perennial plant is native to the Channel Islands of California and coastal areas of Baja California. It belongs to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). Features a basal rosette of large, rounded, and hairy leaves, which are grayish-green and somewhat succulent.
