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Showcase Features: This established garden with many varieties has a few plants that predate our arrival in 1994, but it was primarily established in 2 phases in 2001 and 2010, with periodic updates. In that time shade has increased, and some plants have declined or overgrown their spots. Ground squirrels moved in during the drought to add scattered piles of dirt or improve drainage, depending on one's perspective. Two years of being home looking at the aging garden sparked the decision to do a major renovation in 2022. The yard has become a bit more native because dead climbing roses have been replaced by native plants and the herb garden is becoming a fragrance garden with many natives. Our backyard pond has a large rock as a water feature; we had to completely clean out the accumulated growth in 2022. The front yard and meadow are mostly unchanged, so we will have displays of wildflowers. In fact, the number of spring wildflowers in the meadow increases every year. The "bones" of the garden are still the mature native oaks, smaller trees such as holly leaf cherry and western redbud, and large shrubs, including numerous manzanitas, redbud, barberries, and toyon. These provide a sense of shelter with smaller shrubs, perennials, and annual wildflowers as accents.

Other Garden Attractions: The yard has several features to keep rainwater on site. A small swale leads to a percolation basin in the backyard filled with riparian plants. A dry creek bed in the street side garden channels runoff into the meadow. A drain spout from the garage roof flows into a rocky area that absorbs rainwater for the garage side lemon tree.

Gardening for Wildlife: This is a Certified Wildlife Habitat. The abundant native plants, dense shrubs, a woodpile, and bird and bee houses provide shelter and nesting spots. Seeds, berries, and insects provide food, while the pond and washtub fountain supply fresh water. Songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees are abundant.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 22

Garden Size: 11000 sq ft

Designer: Julie Orr (back), Homeowners (front)
Installer: Modern Landscaping (back), Jose Martinez (front)

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