Lot size: 1,200 sq. ft. front garden on tour, 90% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in February 2009
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 3
Cindy Angers, owner of EcoFolia Design, has long had an interest in native plants, healthy watersheds, water conservation, and habitat preservation—and this is apparent in the garden she designed for her own home. The trees and shrubs she chose, such as oaks, buckeyes, and manzanita, are native to Livermore, suited to hot summers, and they don’t require the pesticides and fertilizers that many non-natives do. Since the lawn was removed and the native plants became established Cindy’s water bill has averaged $30 to $40 per month. (Compare the before-and-after water bills that will be on display.)
Other Garden Attractions
- Cindy is eager to share her native plant design and maintenance tips and tricks; feel free to ask how she removed her lawn, selected plants, designed, and maintains her garden.
- Much to her delight, neighbors recently asked to take graduation photos in Cindy’s front yard; several others have changed their walking routes so they can pass by, or through, the garden.
- The former lawn was rolled up like a carpet and created the foundation for the berms that provide the drainage that natives need.
- Plants of varying heights and textures provide visual interest, as do several substantial boulders and a pair of whimsical sculptures.
Gardening for Wildlife
The local native plants attract birds, butterflies, and myriad insects, including several kinds of native bees. As some species of native bees sleep under dried flower heads, and butterflies may be cocooning on spent plants, there is no deadheading in this wildlife-friendly garden. A birdbath provides water for winged visitors, and a shallow water bowl invites lizards and other creatures nearer to the ground.
Garden Talks
11:00 “How to create year round color and interest (for people, as well as wildlife) in your garden” by Cindy Angers
Art in the Garden
Barb Johnson’s richly colored clay sunflowers and other garden art pieces will be on display, and available for purchase.
Native Plants Available
Buttercup and our local native narrow leafed milkweed (the only host plant for the monarch butterfly) will be available for purchase. Proceeds will support the Tour.
