Lot size: 6,000 sq. ft. lot

Garden Age: Garden was installed in stages, beginning in 2000

Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 3

Showcase Feature
This small, peaceful 100% native plant garden, designed and installed by Michael Thilgen and the Four Dimensions team in stages, beginning in 2000, features a graceful deer grass and fescue meadow in the front garden, and a pond with a waterfall in the back. Birds are now bringing in more natives. “The plants shift around,” Joseph says of his native volunteers, “Every time you look at it it’s different. I love it.” The steep, sunny slope in the back garden is accessed by a winding trail. The rose, oak and currant hedge in the backyard have created a living screen for privacy. The maturing oak grove stands affords views to the adjacent grassy open space.

Other Garden Attractions
* Low water use.
* This garden was featured in the Water Garden Idea Book.
* The garden is adjacent to open space, and takes advantage of the viewscape.

Gardening for Wildlife
The restful sound of falling water attracts both people and wildlife. After the pond was installed Joe noted with delight that Pacific chorus frogs came in on their own. Bees, lizards, lots of butterflies, insects and a variety of birds are also attracted to this garden.