Lot size: 2,065 sq ft front, 2785 sq. ft back, and 1,085 sq. ft. side gardens on tour; 70% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in December, 2009
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!
Showcase Feature: It’s all in the family; inspired by sister Rosadelia Detwiler’s beautiful native plant garden (in Concord—you may have seen this fabulous garden on prior Tours!), Luis-Felipe and Gracie asked Kelly Marshall of Kelly Marshall Garden Design to help them remove their wall-to-wall lawns and create a low-maintenance garden that would attract butterflies, and provide a place for the grandchildren to play. Exit the lawns, and enter the delicate native bent grass Agrostis pallens, which is mowed once a month, and, once established, will require 50% less water than a traditional lawn.
Other Garden Attractions:
- This garden was designed to complement the Hacienda Mission-style architecture of the house. Don’t miss the hand-made tile mosaics in the back garden.
- Tall cylindrical blue-green glazed pots set off the striking blue-gray foliage of the native Canyon Prince wild rye.
- The wrought iron gates leading to the courtyard were designed to mimic Cleveland sage and the surrounding rolling hills.
- Wander across the street to visit the 12,000 square foot park that the Torres’ asked Kelly to create for their grandchildren.
Gardening for Wildlife: Two fountains provide water for wildlife. A buoyant array of natives, including narrowleaf milkweed, seaside daisy, and a variety of buckwheats were planted to attract butterflies.
