Showcase Features: The California-native garden has been through transition over the years. In autumn of 2017, parents, with the support of the school principal, revitalized the garden and brought new life into the charming space. Elementary children in all grade levels have assisted in various garden tasks and they are proud of their accomplishments. Tours are offered to share the history of the garden site and the research and process they went through to create the garden. Students use the garden to learn about ecosystems, habitats, and the plants used by peoples of California. The hope is that the garden will inspire parents and others in the community to plant more native plants.

Other Garden Attractions: Most plants were planted in autumn of 2017 and spring of 2018. California buckeye, sages, buckwheat, fescue, asters, monkey flowers, soap plant, California poppy, elderberry, Douglas iris and snowberry are a few of the native plants included in the garden. The collection of plants has grown to over 100 species. All weeding is done by hand and then the soil is covered with bark. String trimmers and blowers are prohibited as they seem to disperse weed seed effectively.

Gardening for Wildlife: There are four communities: woodland, coastal scrub, grassland and riparian in the 99% native garden. Plants were selected as good representatives of plant community, as good habitat plants or as plants with an ethnobotanical history. Multiple insects have been spotted throughout the year plus an insect box is available. A dark-eyed junco built a nest and raised her young in the garden. Hummingbirds are frequent visitors. A small birdbath provides an important water source for thirsty insects and birds. Large rocks were added to shelter creatures.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 8

Garden Size: 2,300 sq ft

Designer: Parent volunteers
Installer: Elementary school students and parents

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