Showcase Features: Naturalistic front yard featuring an attractive collection of native shrubs and perennials, tastefully designed for curb appeal and for attracting wildlife. The driveway and main entrance path was replaced with storm water pervious Calstone pavers. In the back a large goldfines area is surrounded by new planting beds. Windchimes, large containers that include natives, and solar lighting make everyone sit down and watch the birds that come to the two bird baths.

Other Garden Attractions: In the front, a western redbud is surrounded by penstemons and shasta sulfur buckwhea, and the native bog rush thrives under the birdbath. Along the property line, tall shrubs (a multi-stem western redbud, two toyons, and manzanita) provide a natural privacy screen. Ground cover sage and ceanothus flanked by red-flowered buckwheat hug the lower areas by the sidewalk. The large rock next to a specimen manzanita is a good sunning spot for lizards. In the back, the Mount San Bruno golden aster that is embedded in the goldfines catches the eye, but as we come closer we also see monkey flowers, island snapdragen, and a baby buckeye tree. Islands of large pebbles on the side are dotted with native sedges - an interesting contrast and an excellent water saving solution.

Gardening for Wildlife: Food and shelter are provided by the native plants; the birdbath supplies fresh water. Bees and various birds are regular visitors.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 7

Garden Size: 600 sq ft (front), 745 sq ft (back)

Designer: Front: Deva Luna, Earthcare Landscaping; Back: Erin Dougherty
Installer: Front: Earthcare Landscaping; Back: Native Revival

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