Lot size: 2,500 sq. ft. back garden, 95% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in stages, beginning in 2008
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2
Showcase Feature
Nick and Liza’s 1920s house was constructed next to the former right-of-way to the Key Route System’s Underhill Station, which was located right behind what is now the Mealys’ home. In the early 1900s, neighbors from Trestle Glen would access the station via the concrete steps located at the rear of the Mealys’ lot (look for the gnome-sized red door). The asphalt, concrete, gravel, and old railway ties in the back garden were daunting, but Nick and Liza saw potential in the two magnificent oaks, remnants of the venerable oak-bay woodland that had once graced this formerly mossy glen. The Mealys’ goal was to establish a natural garden that would again provide a home for butterflies, bees, and birds. In recent years landscape designer Michael Hogan of Butterfly, Hummingbird, and Bee provided his plant selection expertise.
Other Garden Attractions
• One enters the back garden through a bower of elderberry, golden currant, toyon, and California lilac.
• Polypody and wood ferns, redwood sorrel, and yerba buena flourish in the shady areas.
• In spring myriad wildflowers, including blue and yellow lupine, pink clarkia, purple gilia, and purple-blue Chinese houses brighten the garden.
• Visit Clytia and Joe Curley’s garden, a 10 minute walk down Trestle Glen.
Gardening for Wildlife
This garden attracts anise swallowtail butterflies, native bees, and birds. Milkweed has been planted for the monarchs. A salamander family dwells under a decomposing log.
Garden Talks
12:00 “How to attract bees, birds, and butterflies to your garden”
3:00 “Creating low-or-no water-consuming gardens” both by Michael Hogan
Art in the Garden
Patricia Osage will sell handmade garden mosaics. Cash and checks only.
