Showcase Features: This garden, established in two phases, demonstrates how to create a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space with a focus on native plants. The front yard, transformed in late 2023 and previously dominated by a traditional lawn, now features a pleasing design with distinct areas divided by a brick walkway and gravel path, catering to various sun exposures. In the shade of a mature non-native tree, native plants such as "Canyon Snow" irises, coral bells, hummingbird sage, and common snowberry flourish. The sunny former lawn area is now home to "Lagunita" wild rye, accented with "Island Pink" yarrow and California poppies. Near the house, coffeeberries thrive in partial shade, while a "Dr. Hurd" manzanita stands out on a mound, surrounded by colorful companions like "Valley Violet" ceanothus, Palmer's Indian mallow, island snapdragon bush, California buckwheat, and California fuchsia, ensuring blooms throughout the year.

Other Garden Attractions: The backyard, installed in spring 2024, incorporates a naturalistic design. A decomposed granite and gravel path, bordered by a low stone wall, meanders through the space. Native trees and shrubs—California buckeye, toyon, coast live oak, and California bay—will create layers of greenery and habitat along the property line. A pervious gold fines patio replaces part of the inherited concrete, blending seamlessly into a design that includes vegetable beds, non-native citrus trees, and a variety of native plants that encourage biodiversity.

Gardening for Wildlife: Designed to support local wildlife, this garden features 75% native plants that are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and beneficial for pollinators. Key elements include flowering plants that attract bees, butterflies, and birds, as well as the thoughtful placement of water and shelter sources. Large rocks in the front yard and a backyard fountain provide habitat and hydration, while dense planting, mulch, and drip irrigation reduce weeds and conserve water. Leaves are left to decompose naturally in planting beds, enriching the soil and supporting insects. This garden prioritizes biodiversity through intentional plant choices, creating a thriving ecosystem that encourages lizards, birds, and beneficial insects to make their home here.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 2

Garden Size: 7,930 sq. ft.

Designer: Agi Kehoe Landscaping
Installer: Paradise Garden and Landscape

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