Showcase Features: In 2013, the owner converted plain Bermuda-grass lawn to a drought-tolerant landscape with an emphasis on edible California natives along wide flagstone paths between the clay mounds. An elderberry with tasty fruit in the fall and a toyon with fruit for the birds are focal points of the front yard. A selection of monkey flower 'Eleanor' provides profuse display of yellow blooms until fall. Red and white buckwheats also bloom from spring to fall and produce edible seeds. Native onions and Indian potatoes are found around the shrubs and in pots. Soap plants are thriving. A native Gowen Cypress was recently planted to create more shade eventually.

Other Garden Attractions: While most of the garden enjoys full sun, an existing large tree provides shade for plants such as white lewisia, lavender woodland phacelia, and purple irises. Another patch of shade along the fence has gooseberries and a big berry manzanita with edible berries.

Gardening for Wildlife: The plants were selected to attract wildlife by providing sources of nectar, fruit, and shelter. Hummingbirds love the California fuchsia and penstemon. Butterflies and native bees are attracted by the wooly blue curls, buckwheats and other flowers throughout the year.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 5

Garden Size: 840 sq ft

Designer: Homeowner
Installer: Homeowner

Click here to display the plant list in a printer-friendly format (from year 2017).