In 2026, climate-resilient gardening is in. No one wants to spend hours and hours of time, energy, and money filling their garden with plants only for unprecedented heat to turn all of their greenery instantly brown. Thus, clever homeowners are turning to consistently arid regions, like the Mediterranean, for planting inspiration.
California, where extreme weather has been the norm for years, has been especially good at planting for dry conditions, and Penelope Cruz's former Hollywood Hills home is the perfect guidebook. Photos of the property where the actress lived from 2005 to 2011 showcase a gorgeous Mediterranean garden, complete with palm trees, banana plants, and ornamental grasses. The beautifully arched greenery is a gorgeous complement to the smooth angles of her Spanish-style home.
