Showcase Features: This unique garden combines native plants with some Japanese garden elements. In the front, a Japanese-style gate helps screen the view from the street and is surrounded by manzanita and a rare low-growing flannel bush. Closer to the house, attractive non-native conifers combine gracefully with a beach strawberry ground cover and low-growing manzanita, saffron buckwheat and a beautiful small redbud. In the back garden, Asian elements near the house include a small wooden bridge, Japanese maples, and (non-native) camellias. Douglas iris and native ferns complement the tranquil and green mood. Further from the house, the owner and the designer chose primarily plants from the chaparral community including blue elderberry, madrone, toyon, and silk tassel as well as Penstemon, monkey flower, yarrow, sages, lupine, and, many more. In shadier areas, you can find blue-eyed grass and native currants. A trellised Roger's Red grape helps extend the fence and serves as a beautiful screen. A small rustic hut provides shade for garden viewing and contemplation.

Other Garden Attractions: The owner and the designer made the most out of challenging conditions such as a steep backyard slope, seasonal heat and winds, and deer browsing. The owner, who is a docent at Edgewood Natural Preserve and an avid birder was interested in harmonizing existing non-native plants with natives. The disappearing stone water fountain attracts hundreds of birds daily throughout the year.

Gardening for Wildlife: The plant selection provides food for wildlife and the sound of water is a bird magnet. Many birds, pollinators and dragonflies visit the garden.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 9

Garden Size: 8000 sq ft

Designer: Peigi Duvall, Indig Design
Installer: Alan Lolohea and Joel Rivera

Click here to display the plant list in a printer-friendly format.