Working with Defensible Designs
See how beautiful and functional the Zone Zero home (and business) hardening can be right here in Moraga.
Read the full article by UC Master Gardener Hedwig Van Den Broeck here.
"The UC Master Gardener volunteers of Contra Costa County are excited to announce an upcoming Firewise Demonstration Garden at the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) Station 42 on Moraga Road. This project will showcase practical, attractive landscaping strategies that reduce wildfire risk—especially the often-misunderstood Zone Zero, the critical five feet closest to a home or structure."
The design will feature:
- A five-foot non-combustible buffer along the station’s front wall.
- Demonstration islands of low-fuel, fire-resistant plants—including California natives and Mediterranean species.
- Educational signage so visitors can learn how each practice contributes to fire safety.
- Sample fire-safe fencing and pathways leading into the redwoods, complete with inviting seating areas.
This will provide a much-needed space for the community to see how it can all work together: from the air gaps between plants acting as insulation to the fireproof fence section and more. We're excited to see it come together!
