My Favorite Room | ‘Narcos: Mexico’ actress Teresa Ruiz finds inspiration in her garden

Her cottage-style house in Santa Monica and its next-door neighbor share the lush, shady garden that stretches across both properties.  (Jesse Goddard / For The Times)

“I travel a lot, but when I’m in L.A., this is the place I like to be,” Ruiz says.  (Jesse Goddard / For The Times)

“The preparation for all the characters I’ve done has happened right here,” Ruiz says.  (Jesse Goddard / For The Times)

Furniture in the garden.  (Jesse Goddard / For The Times)

“I’m not very good at working indoors,” Ruiz says.  (Jesse Goddard / For The Times)