Showcase Features: This professionally designed, front yard showcases a native garden under the dappled shade of a mature ash tree. Mariposa slate paths guide visitors through the garden to the front entrance of the expansive wooden deck deck where visitors can sit and watch the birds enjoy the birdbath and the butterflies enjoy the offerings of the many native plants. Cal stone pavers provide extra drainage on the lower half of the driveway. When you walk past the utility area - which includes two composters, the newly installed back garden delights with many healthy natives including California fuchsia, seaside daisy, Silver carpet, and verbena. In the shade, native currants, iris, and coral bells give a lovely foreground to the birdbath that's visible from the generous sitting area. Several species of milkweed are butterfly magnets.

Other Garden Attractions: In the front, native strawberry and island snapdragon accent the trunk of the ash tree. An evergreen bush anemone hedge that is flanking the edge of the front yard's deck is slowly developing into a privacy screen as the shrubs mature. The right side of the main path is lined with coffeeberry bushes accented by the true native foothil sedge (Carex tumulicola). Pink-flowering currant, vine maple, Oregon grape, western sword fern, island alum root and Douglas iris enjoy the dappled shade. Color and interest are maintained throughout the year with berries, leaves and varying flowering dates.

Gardening for Wildlife: Berries, pollen and nectar provide food for bees, butterflies and birds and the native shrubs offer shelter for visiting wildlife.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 8

Garden Size: 2,500 sq ft

Designer: Sherri Osaka, Sustainable Landscape Designs
Installer: Stephanie Curtis, Curtis Horticulture

Click here to display the plant list in a printer-friendly format (from year 2012).