Lot size: 5,375 sq. ft. back garden; 70% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in early 2010
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!
The struggle to maintain a large lawn and thirsty flower garden in Pleasanton’s hot summers led Melinda and Steve to the Bringing Back the Natives garden tour. The water savings that native plants provide, and the sight and sound of bees, birds, and butterflies, which triggered childhood memories, solidified their determination to go native. The Ballards worked collaboratively with the team from Four Dimensions Landscape Company to design their garden: Four Dimensions installed much of this tranquil haven. Two water features, one a basalt fountain near the seating area on the deck, and the other and in-ground fish pond, invite visitors to rest awhile.
Other Garden Attractions
- Native grape will grow over the expansive trellis, creating a living roof and providing much needed shade in the summer.
- Reduced lawn has lowered the water bill.
- Bluestone pathway wends through the garden.
Gardening for Wildlife
The sound of water splashing into the pond is attractive to birds, and soothing to people. A trickling basalt column fountain and shallow bowl of water has brought flocks of finches to the garden to bathe. These water features, and several birdbaths and feeders, in addition to a diversity of native plants, have resulted in “an incredible number of birds” now calling the garden home.
Garden Talks
11:00 and 2:00 “Choosing appropriate natives for your garden: which ones will work in your landscape?” by Theresa Halula of Four Dimensions Landscape Company. Theresa will be at the garden all day to answer native plant questions.
