Lot size: Lot size 5,000 sq. ft. lot, 80% native
Garden Age: Natives were installed in stages, beginning in 2003
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2
The massive oak in the back garden towers over a variety of shade-loving plants. In the spring of 2008 the struggling lawn was removed, and a small bunchgrass meadow created. The neighbor’s side garden has been planted with a potpourri of shade-loving natives, including coast silktassel, thimbleberry, ninebark, and hazelnut. This woodland garden was designed and installed by Margaret.
Other Garden Attractions:
- Rainwater from the house roof is collected under the deck and used to flush a toilet and wash clothes. The laundry water feeds a small constructed wetland in the back yard which is planted with cow parsnip, rushes, sedges, and surrounded with thimbleberry, sneezeweed and columbine.
- Two other greywater systems, which collect water from the laundry, sink, and shower, provide water to the front and side yards. (See www.dig.coop for more information.)
- This garden makes extensive use of recycled materials.
- The house and potter’s studio are both solar-powered. Ask about the other green touches, including the no-VOC paint.
- Margaret, who creates beautiful functional pottery, will have cups, bowls, pitchers, and more for sale. (Checks and cash only; no credit cards.)
- Four chickens reside happily in a coop made of recycled materials.
Gardening for Wildlife:
The healthy stand of Dutchman’s pipevine (the only host plant for caterpillars of the large, iridescent metallic blue pipevine swallowtail butterfly) has attracted this lovely lepidopteran; Margaret has seen them laying eggs in the garden. Arboreal newts are regularly encountered in shady spots.
