Showcase Features: A specimen Ceanothus 'Dark Star' greets the visitor to this richly planted garden that is being gradually converted from a traditional, mostly non-native garden to a drought-tolerant, mostly-native garden. The owner sees the garden as a canvas for creative expression as the loving attention lavished on this garden clearly shows.

Other Garden Attractions: In the sunny areas of the front garden, bush anemone, Saint Catherine's Lace buckwheat, a low-growing variety of Oregon grape, a standard form of Ray Hartman ceanothus and deer grass are celebrated. Drought-tolerant ground covers include several native manzanitas, Carex pansa, Ceanothus gloriosus 'Anchor Bay', and a low-growing Baccharis sp. In part shade, a giant western chain fern and several Heuchera accent the walkway to the front door. Many more natives are nurtured in the back garden, including silver bush lupine, white sage, white and pink flowering currants, coffeeberry, and a sugar bush that is recovering from overexposure to our unusual winter weather.

Gardening for Wildlife: Four bird feeders, dense ground cover, a large oak, and a growing collection of buckwheats and other natives provide food and shelter.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 6

Garden Size: 4800

Designer: Carolyn Ordonez; Homeowner (plant selection and placement)
Installer: Dale von Dohren

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