Meg McShannic and David Wallace’s garden
Walnut Creek
Lot size: ¼ acre, 50% natives
Garden Age: Native garden was installed in 2006.
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2
Showcase feature: This former flat sea of Bermuda grass was transformed by Michael Thilgen and the team at Four Dimensions Landscape Company into a private, California native plant meadow in the front, and a serene “secret garden” in the back. This low maintenance, low-water-consuming garden with a country feel was just what Meg and David wanted; since its transformation Meg reports that the garden has been used more in the past year than in the previous fifteen.
Other garden attractions:
- Grading for a stone patio in the rear generated enough soil to build a berm near the busy, noisy road in front. The berm is topped with a fence of recycled grapestake and soon will be covered with screening shrubs, completing a transition from an exposed front yard to a secluded entry garden.
- The flat site presented challenges for storm water drainage. The solution was to keep water onsite to gradually soak into the soil, both recharging groundwater reserves, and lessening the erosive impact on local creeks.
- A bubbling boulder fountain enhances the peaceful feeling of this garden.
- A tree that was removed became a bench and stump seat.
- Flagstone patio and curving seating area provide space for entertaining.
- Summer watering will be reduced or eliminated after the first year or two.
Gardening for Wildlife: Dense shrubbery, the diversity of plant heights, trees for perching, and the fountain provide shelter and water for wildlife.
Garden Talks: Meet the designer, Michael Thilgen from 1:00- 3:00 pm. 2:00-2:30 “Choosing Natives for Hot Sunny Sites” by Michael Thilgen.