Lot size: 5,500 sq. ft. front garden, 3,500 sq. ft. back garden, and 1,000 sq ft. side gardens on tour, 80% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in stages, beginning 2008
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!
Showcase Feature: The large front lawn—it was hoed out—is now an airy meadow, planted with drought-tolerant bunchgrasses punctuated with purple-blue penstemon, red fuchsias, and orange monkeyflowers and poppies. The serene and inviting back garden which, until recently, contained a large swimming pool and a lot of concrete, is now a delightful potpourri of natives and Mediterranean plants of differing heights and textures. This attractive, drought-tolerant, low- maintenance garden was designed by Ted, Barbara, and Brendan Leathem of The Kestrel Group.
Other Garden Attractions:
- Water use has decreased by about 75% since the garden was transformed.
- Boards from redwood tree that was removed were used to create the beautiful curving benches in the back garden; old fencing was used to make the bird nest boxes.
- Second-hand rocks obtained from Craigs list were used to create the dry stream bed in the front garden.
- Don’t miss the “before” photos!
Gardening for Wildlife: Nearly 60 species of birds, including black-headed grosbeaks, two species each of towhees and orioles, screech, barn, and great horned owls, black-shouldered kites, and Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds have been seen in or above this garden. Nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice nest in the garden, as do bumblebees. Quail pass through. Butterflies are drawn to the yarrow and sage. Many species of native bees are seen in the garden, as are toads, lizards, kingsnakes, and raccoons. The front garden is open to deer and the occasional coyote. Garden Talks: 11:00 and 3:00 “How to select native plants for your home garden” by Brendan Leathem Plant list
