Showcase Features: This garden is a study in balance of water needs. This expansive garden used to feature lawns in front as well as the back, along with formal shrubs that were the standard for this neighborhood of upscale homes. The homeowners kept the mature trees that shade the property, but said goodbye to the thirsty lawn and stiff hedges in front. They've been replaced with large-scale drifts of grasses, perennials, and ground covers that create visual impact and display the unusual beauty of California native plants. Some of the water budget was reserved for the reduced lawn in the rear. Reducing and eliminating lawn also made room physically and in the water budget for a productive vegetable garden. Design features like the pergola in the rear provide structure for the garden, while the palette of drought-tolerant and native plants provides continuity and balance throughout, better connecting the existing pool area with the rest of the garden. The bubbling pottery fountain, dry creek drainage area, and vegetable garden enrich the garden with a variety of play opportunities besides the lawn.

Other Garden Attractions: The lower front patio area was created by reuse of onsite "urbanite" with a stain applied. A new stair and rock wall connect this patio to the driveway and front entry. A reconfigured fenced area manages recycling and refuse containers. This garden's biggest fans are the children who love to explore and play with rocks to climb, nooks to hide in, and secret passageways.

☺ Garden Talk: Design Considerations for a Native Plant Garden by Kelly Greenwood Garden Designer 11am and 3pm

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 1

Garden Size: 13,000 sq ft

Designer: Greenwood Design Associates, LLC
Installer:

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