Showcase Features: The main feature of this collector's garden is the backyard, which is planted nearly 100% with California native plants (apart from raised beds with edibles). When walking to the backyard, the first planting that commands attention is two 'Yankee Point' ceanothuses that have grown together into one large mound. A young toyon nearby provides food for birds with its red berries in winter. There are numerous specimens of mature plants: coffeeberry, sugarbush, several manzanitas such as 'Sunset', 'Paradise', 'Harmony', 'Austin Griffiths'. Other plants of note include the nicely grown 'Twin Peaks' cultivar of a coyote bush, 'Skylark' ceanothus, low-growing 'Carmel Creeper' ceanothus competing for attention with 'Bee's Bliss' salvia. Further in the back, there are specimens of 'St. Catherine's Lace' and red-flowered buckwheats, 'Pozo Blue' sage with most attractively scented foliage. A specimen of 'Ray Hartman' ceanothus provides shade for the hummingbird sage below it. Near the house, an expanse of bee's plant (Scrophularia californica) borders a large area covered with woodland strawberry. Two flagstone patios with Adirondack chairs create an outdoor room where one can relax and enjoy nature in this suburban garden.

Other Garden Attractions: While the front yard plants include some legacy non-nativeplants (mature maple and two crape myrtles), the original lawn has been eliminated with sheet mulching and replaced with lower-growing, mounding native plants: 'Carmel Creeper' ceanothus, 'Bee's Bliss' salvia, several California buckwheats (in the parking strip and near the property's boundary).

Gardening for Wildlife: Numerous rocks used for creating raised beds are ideal spots for lizards to warm up in the sun. The plants were chosen not only for visual appeal but also to attract beneficial insects. Bees, bumblebees, moths, butterflies, and birds all find nourishment, shelter, and water in several bird baths scattered strategically around the garden.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 7

Garden Size: 5,230 sq. ft

Designer: Homeowner
Installer: Homeowner

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