Showcase Features: This corner lot faced several issues that required a landscape change. The owners have lived in the home for 40 years and were dealing with a drainage issue with the uphill sides of the property resulting in seepage under the front bedroom in the rainy season. The owners engaged California Nativescapes to come up a solution to the drainage issue as well as retain a necessary shade tree. The creation of a dry creek and rain garden connected to the downspouts of the home and channeling of water from the uphill side solved the drainage problem. A grant from the Santa Clara Valley Water District was discussed but not used to allow others more in need of the funds to convert their lawns to low water plants. The City of San Jose required replacement of two 24" boxed trees so the owners decided on fruit trees that fit with the watering plan for the new mostly native plant garden. A permeable path meanders through the garden. Trichostema lantatum are happily blooming on the hillside along with Epilobium 'Everett's Choice'. Larger shrubs include Artemesia californica, Carpenteria californica, Heteromeles arbutifolila, and several different salvias. A large existing Raywood Ash provides much needed shade for the south facing garden and house. A bench provides respite on warm days with a view of the valley.

Other Garden Attractions: The native blooms and berries and fruits provide food for insects and birds and critters. Several bird baths and fountains supply much needed water. Shrubs and trees provide shelter and nesting habitat. The lizard population has also grown.

☺ Garden Talk: 1:30 PM: "Habitat Gardening: For the birds!" - a talk by Rebecca Schoenenberger of California Nativescapes

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 2

Garden Size: 2,500 sq.ft.

Designer: Rebecca Schoenenberger, California Nativescapes
Installer: California Nativescapes

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