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: 3
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.
