Showcase Features: In 2009 the homeowners replaced a water-hogging lawn with a dramatic native plant garden that conserves water, provides wildlife habitat, and is easy to maintain.
The centerpiece of this garden is a Carex pansa meadow accented by a large rock placed to look like a natural outcrop. Manzanita "St Helena" and Western redbud are a backdrop for the meadow. A curving urbanite wall and berms provide interesting changes in level. Yarrow, sulfur buckwheat and erigeron glaucus provide low-maintenance color. Heuchera maxima is used as ground cover in shady areas, with native salvia along the driveway.

Other Garden Attractions: Sustainable features include sub-surface drip irrigation in the Carex pansa meadow. Reuse was emphasized during landscape construction. Broken concrete was kept onsite as material for a low wall. An existing sago palm was dug up and potted to provide a dramatic porch accent.

Gardening for Wildlife: Plants were chosen that produce flowers and seeds for birds and insects. Bees, butterflies and birds are now regular visitors.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 1

Garden Size: 3000 sq ft

Designer: Stephanie Curtis, Curtis Horticulture
Installer: Curtis Horticulture

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