Showcase Features: This attractive, front yard native garden was designed and installed in 2004 by the owner, a Master Gardener, who propagates plants in her small backyard greenhouse. A central mound made up of perennial and annual vegetables provides a focal point for the garden, while natives grow happily along all sides of the front yard. Access is via a well-constructed flagstone path lined with native wildflowers.

Other Garden Attractions: Several varieties of ceanothus, manzanita, and salvia grace this lovely garden, along with native asters, coyote mint, sticky monkey flower and a western redbud. Native wildflowers peak in March (see pictures), but some will still be blooming at tour time. All native plants are labeled and several books about CA native plants will be available for perusal. A printed plant list will also be available to those interested. Garden owner will also permit tours of her back yard edible garden that includes fruit trees, berry canes, bee hives, worm and traditional composting, a large vegetable garden and friendly chickens. Challenges: an existing redwood tree in the native garden has high water requirements, and may ultimately prove incompatible with the chaparral species planted nearby. Nocturnal rat damage can be significant in the edible garden, as the property borders a creek.

Gardening for Wildlife: The owner provides bird houses, bird baths and nesting materials in the backyard. As the front yard plants mature, habitat value will increase.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 21

Garden Size: 1500 sq ft

Designer: Homeowner
Installer: Homeowner

Click here to display the plant list in a printer-friendly format (from year 2017).