Lot size: 2/3 acre on two adjacent lots, 100% native
Garden Age: Gardens were installed in stages, beginning in 1951 on Cherie’s lot, and in 2002 on Sue’s
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 7
The marvelous restoration project sisters Sue and Cherie (who own adjoining properties) embarked on required removing the ivy that had invaded their parents’ original native garden, enshrouded the slope, and was strangling the majestic oaks and redwoods. These shady gardens have evolved with time; local natives are now reappearing on their own. Silver bush lupine, bee plant, miner’s lettuce, eight kinds of ferns, and a host of other plants have made debuts without human help. When they were children growing up in this house in the ‘50s, Sue and Cherie regarded their majestic oak and redwood shaded back garden as a beautiful wilderness; due to their inspirational efforts it is a paradise once again. If you have visited this garden before you will want to come back to see the latest changes.
Other Garden Attractions
- If venturing down the back slope wear good walking shoes, and watch for uneven steps and low oak limbs.
- The lawns were recently sheetmulched; ask about the future plans!
Gardening for Wildlife
Sue and Cherie report that they can’t keep wildlife out—“If you plant it, they will come!” Among the list of birds they have seen are red-tailed hawks, mourning doves, great horned owls, woodpeckers, tanagers, and wrens. Deer freely browse this wildlife-friendly garden.
Music in the Garden
Flute duets performed by Larry Duckles and Ben Borson: 11:30 to 12:30, and 2:30 to 3:30
Garden Talks 1:00 and 2:00 “How to transform your garden from ivy and juniper to native plants” by Sue Duckles
Art in the Gardens
Dianne Lake will sell cards with native plant photographs
