Showcase Features: The owners replaced their lawn and concrete path with this delightful compact front garden which includes a new brick path for added water retention. A redbud tree anchors the left side of the yard with a raised bed fronted by a dry stacked rock wall on the right. The back of the wall is topped with Arizona flagstone pavers for a seating area and a pebble play area for the children. A new arbor framing the window on the right supports a 'Roger's Red' grape.

Other Garden Attractions: An established Monkey Flower was retained in front of the window on the left with several new ones were added. A Ceanothus 'Concha' on the left is underplanted with penstemon, manzanita 'uva-ursi' and some edible herbs. The garden includes several citrus trees and herbs both native and non-native. The north facing side yard features 2 pink flowering currant shrubs along with woodland strawberry groundcover. Douglas Iris, hummingbird sage, California fushia and other natives fill in the planting areas. The parking strip features Festuca 'Siskiyou Blue' as well as annual wild flowers.

Gardening for Wildlife: Native plants were selected for habitat value for birds and other wildlife. There is a birdhouse to encourage nesting. Squirrels, newts, bees and butterflies are attracted to the garden.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 3

Garden Size: 3,000 sq.ft.

Designer: Susan Holtslander, Valley Mountain Sea
Installer: Team Tierra

Plant list: In preparation, will be linked later...