Growing Natives Garden Tour 2018

Suburban Revival Habitat Garden (19 photos)

Garden #2, San Mateo

 

Showcase Features: Removing the front lawn in 2016 sparked a total transformation of this small suburban yard located very near San Francisco Bay. The homeowners wanted a low-water use habitat garden planted with mostly local natives adapted to coastal environments. After sheet mulching killed the lawn, berms were constructed with reclaimed wood stumps and small boulders, many found on-site or donated from neighboring yards. Now a large verbena lilacina provides a dramatic focal point with its nearly year-round bloom in this foggy microclimate. Native salvias, erigeron, armeria, monkey flower, coastal buckwheat, lizard tail and dudleya attract hummingbirds and insects. A reclaimed driftwood log emphasizes the coastal theme.

Other Garden Attractions: The backyard makeover was even more dramatic. A stucco shed, concrete block retaining wall and poured concrete patio and curbs were all removed. The newly liberated dirt was extremely compacted, so it was rototilled and a layer of purchased soil brought in. The long narrow backyard now has an oval berm planting area as a focal point, inviting pathways and seating areas surrounded by curving raised planting beds. An 8X8 area was left bare as a play area and possible future child's garden. The former concrete wasteland is now a welcoming natural habitat and sanctuary for native plants, wildlife and humans.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 2

Garden Size: 1,430 sq.ft

Designer: Homeowner
Installer: Homeowner

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