Bill Naylor’s Garden
Danville
Gardening experience: 1 year
Years gardened at this location: Garden installed April 2004
Garden size: 800 square foot front garden is on the tour
Showcase feature: Arizona flagstone paths meander between berms planted with natives from the chaparral plant community. A sedge meadow with Sonoma fieldstone boulders borders one side of the garden. Bill reports that the neighbors are “pleased, curious, confused, and becoming more enthusiastic as the plants fill in.” The garden and entry fountain were designed and installed by Alrie Middlebrook and artisans from Middlebrook Gardens.
Other garden attractions:
- Weeds are controlled with a thick layer of mulch.
- The grade was changed and berms added to create visual interest and provide good drainage.
- The former cement walkway was used to create retaining walls, which were stained terra-cotta.
- The gardener's goal was to have a “unique and ecologically sustainable” garden.
Gardening for Wildlife: Toyon and other berry-bearing plants (oso, chaparral currant, hillside gooseberry, snowberry, and three types of manzanita) and a variety of buckwheats (California, sulphur, round-leaved, and Santa Cruz) provide shelter, food, and nesting areas for wildlife. Bill reports seeing a huge increase in wildlife since the former garden was demolished and replaced with natives. Birds love the sound of water falling from the fountain; hummingbirds, songbirds, “tons of butterflies,” and other local pollinators are attracted to this garden.