Lot size: 500 sq. ft court yard, 1,500 sq. ft. back garden. 160 sq. ft. side garden on tour, 80% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in the stages, front in 2006, back in 2008
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!
Showcase Feature
Bat researchers Dixie and Bill had three things in mind when they planned their garden renovation: native plants, rocks, and edibles. In the small front courtyard, which was designed by Shirley Watts, the sound of water falling through a moss rock fountain creates a sense of peace and seclusion. Native plants abound; a large, beautiful California lilac softens the courtyard wall; ferns, monkeyflowers, and bunchgrasses, among other natives, flourish in this shady haven. The centerpiece of the small, sloping back garden, designed and installed by Luke Hass, of Luke Hass Fine Gardens, is a naturalistic stone rock outcropping with a colorful planting of natives. Yellow monkeyflowers, lavender seaside daisy, and purple-blue penstemons brighten the garden in late spring.
Other Garden Attractions
• On last year’s tour Dixie won a free one-hour consultation with Luke, and then decided to have him design the garden. Don’t forget to fill out your on-line evaluation! (The link is e-mailed the day of the tour.) You could do the same!
• Don’t miss the “before” photos.
• Dense plantings help to out-compete weeds.
• The shady side garden contains woodland plants, such as coral bells, hummingbird sage, and ginger.
Gardening for Wildlife
Bushtits, gold finches, towhees, and hummingbirds are drawn to the garden by the waterfall and pond; butterflies and native bees visit the substantial drifts of flowers. Salamanders find a home under logs.
