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

Other Garden Attractions: In the sunny areas of the front garden 5 types of buckwheats, a low-growing variety of Oregon grape, a standard form of Ray Hartman ceanothus,three young mountain mahogany tree forms, and deer grass are celebrated. Drought-tolerant ground covers include 'Radiant' and 'Wayside' manzanitas, Carex pansa, Ceanothus gloriosus 'Anchor Bay', and a low-growing Baccharis sp. In part shade, a giant western chain fern and several Heuchera accent the walkway to the front door. Many more natives are nurtured in the back garden, including 'Dr. Hurd' and 'John Dourley' manzanitas, white sage, white and pink flowering currants, coffeeberry, and three young hollyleaf cherry trees that will eventually serve as a privacy screen. Wildflowers dot the landscape.

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: 8

Garden Size: 4800

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

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