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Showcase Features: This small collector's garden in the front yard was started by planting a blue oak tree in the middle of a one of the soon-to-be-gone square lawn areas. In 2014, the lawn was removed and replaced with a variety of CA native plants that need no summer water (as it would be detrimental to the health of the oak). Since planting, the oak has grown, and now is as tall as the house behind it. Near the edge of the area with the oak tree, there is an impressive coffeeberry, benefitting from the partial shade of the oak. A Cleveland sage, yarrow, and a large patch of California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) near the sidewalk, and a penstemon closer to the house complete that portion of the front yard. The other portion of the former lawn has been replanted with a variety of manzanitas, and a spreading patch of California fuchsia. Low-growing selections of manzanitas also found a place in the narrow space near the house, which was previously occupied by non-native shrubs. A specimen of wooly blue curls, a rather difficult plant to grow, is also thriving there. In the parking strip, the original growth of ivy has been successfully eradicated and replaced with low-growing CA fuchsia, with some space left for wildflowers and blue gamma. In the fall, a well-grown clump of deer grass makes an impressive focal point above the red fuchsia flowers.

Other Garden Attractions: A variety of wildflowers are planted throughout the front yard; these include CA poppies, clarkias, phacelia, and gilia capitata, which provide a dense cover that discourages weeds and dazzles with color.

Gardening for Wildlife: Mockingbirds, hummingbirds, sparrows, honey bees, carpenter bees, bumble bees, butterflies (with occasional monarch butterfly), california salamanders, alligator lizards were all seen visiting this yard. The owner enjoys seeing insects and birds in the natural, pesticide-free habitat provided for them.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 11

Garden Size: 440 sq.ft

Designer: Homeowner with help from ELSEE & Yerba Buena
Installer: Homeowner

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