Showcase Features: A specimen Ceanothus 'Dark Star' greets the visitor to this richly planted garden that is being gradually converted from a traditional, mostly exotic garden to a drought-tolerant, mostly-native garden. The owner sees the garden as a canvas for creative expression, and the loving attention lavished on this garden clearly shows.

Other Garden Attractions: In the sunny areas of the front garden, bush anemone, Saint Catherine's Lace buckwheat, a low-growing variety of Oregon grape, a standard form of Ray Hartman ceanothus and deer grass are celebrated. Drought-tolerant ground covers include several natives and a non-native form of Baccharis species. In part shade, a giant western chain fern and several coral bells accent the walkway to the front door. Many more natives are nurtured in the back garden, including snowberry, monkey flower, white sage, white and pink flowering currant, coffeeberry and other shrubs and perennials that attract birds and delight visitors.

Gardening for Wildlife: Four bird feeders, dense ground cover, a large oak, and a growing collection of buckwheats and other natives provide food and shelter.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 3

Garden Size: 4800

Designer: Carolyn Ordonez; Owner (plant selection and placement)
Installer: Dale von Dohren

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