Lot size: 600 sq. ft front garden and parking strip, 95% local natives

Garden Age: Native garden was installed in 2002

Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2

Showcase feature Lyn, who designed and installed this local native plant garden, took out the kikuyu and crab grass lawn, removed a concrete path, and used the broken concrete to make a curved retaining wall. Now, the parking strip and front garden of this sunny, windswept site contain a bunchgrass and wildflower meadow, a dry creek bed, a hedge of sages and toyon, and several species of lush riparian plants.  A luscious California grape covers the eaves of the entry way. Other garden attractions

• Many of Lyn’s plants were purchased from Native Here Nursery.
• Now that it is established, the garden is not watered at all.
• Ask to see the “before” photos.

Gardening for wildlife The summer-flowering salvias are filled with bumblebees. A patch of yampah hosts swallowtail butterflies.  Tree crickets living in shrubs and vines are heard chirping in summer.  Hummingbird sage provides nectar for hummingbirds. Toyon (planted by the birds), elderberries and wild grape provide food and protection for many species of birds,  while seeds and insects are available for the ubiquitous towhees.   A small pond in the back garden attracts countless birds into the yard. Garden talk 12:00 “How to Design a Simple, Low-Maintenance Native Plant Garden” by Lyn Talkovsky Front plant list