Christine Erskine’s Garden
Oakland
Gardening experience: Wherever there’s been dirt
Years gardened at this location: 3 years
Size: 20’ x 60’ front garden only
Showcase feature: This small, charming garden, designed and installed by the gardener, was created from a former tangle of blackberry, ivy, box hedges, and camellias. Millions of green waste bins later, these plants have been replaced by low terraces planted with natives and herbs, and separated by recycled cement, sandstone, schist, and cobblestones.
Other garden attractions:
- Check out the 'before' photos.
- Ask this gardener about composting with worms; her Wriggly Wranch Worm bin will be available for viewing.
- A large redbud graces the front garden.
Gardening for Wildlife: Since removing the weeds and switching to natives, the gardener has seen “more life in the garden.” Ladybug larvae climb happily about, gold finches drop by, and butterflies are frequent visitors. Food for wildlife is provided by nectar plants, shelter provided by the diversity of plants and plant heights, and water in the bird bath and adjacent creek.
“There are more earthworms, pillbugs, and crab spiders in the garden now than when it was full of exotics,” says the gardener. She sees the northern bluet and other damselfly species along with the pacific spiketail dragonfly. Jerusalem crickets live in the ground. Carpenter bees, honey bees, yellow-faced bumble bees, and some hovering flies that pollinate the smaller flowers are frequently seen. Anise swallowtail butterflies, cabbage whites, painted ladies, red admirals, assorted skippers, and some small blue butterflies are regular visitors.
In the rainy months, the ensatina salamander and some skinny, long salamanders are seen. Cooper’s hawks roost on the tall trees nearby. Rufous and Anna’s hummingbirds visit the salvias and mallow. Other avian visitors include black phoebes, chestnut-backed chickadees, titmice, cedar waxwings, sparrows, and goldfinches. There is a resident striped skunk on the block, and also raccoons, and opossums. Moles are occasionally found in the lawn and under the planting areas.