Showcase Features: This garden, planted in fall 2023, balances beauty, sustainability, and habitat value. Comprising over 75% CA native, drought-tolerant plants, it is a thriving habitat for the "4 B's" – birds, butterflies, bees, and bugs. The garden mimics the look of natural wildlands while conserving resources through efficient irrigation and mulching. A dry creek bed, designed to separate the garden from the neighbor's lawn, doubles as a functional feature by retaining rainwater from the roof. With the "Austin Griffith" manzanita as the current focal point, the garden provides year-round interest while supporting local wildlife. Towards the back of the garden, a buckeye and a hop tree will join the manzanita as visual anchors with year-round interest.

Other Garden Attractions: The garden includes a basalt column fountain with a carved birdbath, frequented by various birds like finches, blue birds and occasionally a red-tailed hawk. Designed with wildlife and sustainability in mind, this low-maintenance space offers abundant blooms, including wildflowers and insect-attracting plants. Special attention has been given to selecting host and nectar plants for butterflies, making it inviting for wildlife as well as visitors.

Gardening for Wildlife: This habitat garden supports a wide variety of species. Plants with high nectar and pollen values attract native bees and butterflies like monarchs and swallowtails, while seed heads left in place provide food for birds. Features like multi-level plantings offer natural cover, and water from the fountain attracts songbirds and even the occasional dragonfly. Together, these elements create a thriving urban sanctuary that brings nature to life in a sustainable way.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 2

Garden Size: 852 sq. ft.

Designer: Stephanie Morris (and Owner)
Installer: Vista Landscaping

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