Lot size: 1-acre native plant garden and nursery, 99% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in stages, beginning in 1996
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!
When the San Lorenzo High School swimming pool was closed, bulldozed, and filled with rubble (not soil), the area became an eyesore. Students took matters into their own hands and began planting natives. Now, 15 years later, the native forest is used by biology and photography classes, and tended by the Druid Environmental Club and the Environmental Leadership in Action class. Fourth grade students from nearby schools walk over on field trips and are taught, by the high school students, how Native Americans used native plants. (The high schoolers, who are regarded as rock stars by the younger students, love this activity.)
Other Garden Attractions
- The native garden, now established, is not watered at all.
- Don’t miss the school’s productive veggie and cut flower garden, affectionately known as “The Farm.”
- Restrooms are available!
Gardening for Wildlife
Cedar waxwings, chestnut-backed chickadees, and finches are now seen in the garden. A pair of mallards have used the seasonal pond for the past few years, swimming contentedly about in the rainy season. Cooper’s hawks soar overhead.
Garden Talks
11:00 to 3:30 “Ongoing workshop: Native plant propagation: propagate plants from seeds, divisions, and cuttings, and take some home!”
10:30 to 4:30 “Ongoing talk: Native American medicinal and culinary uses of California native plants” and “Native American games and activities for children (and adults!)” Spear-throwing, acorn pounding, walnut dice
1:00 and 4:00 “Ten native plants needed to create a Native American school garden and curriculum—includes handouts!” by Steve Wiley
Native Plants for Sale
Students have propagated a variety of native plants, including strawberries, ginger, ferns, buckeyes, snowberries, gilia, and clarkia, among others. These plants, and a variety of native seeds will be available in exchange for donations. Cash and checks only.
