Showcase Features: This attractive front garden has deep shade starting in late spring when the non-native pecan tree leafs out. After the leaves have dropped, the plants bask in the sun. To work with this challenging situation, the owner and the designer selected yerba buena, which forms a lush ground cover together with native grasses, both upright and prostrate manzanita, iris, and ferns.

Other Garden Attractions: The owners removed their lawn and improved the poor soil by adding compost and sheet mulching with newspaper.

In front of a garden enclosure wall, a California redbud adds color in spring and summer. The pink-blooming native current is sure to harmonize with the small pink-blooming coral bells. Stepping stones help the gardener and divide the different areas into small garden rooms.

Gardening for Wildlife: The garden includes plants that offer nectar and seeds for pollinators and birds, trees and shrubs that shelter. A water feature invites birds stop for a drink or a bath.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 3

Garden Size: 3000 sq ft

Designer: Peigi Duvall, Indig Design
Installer: Earthcare Landscaping

Click here to display the plant list in a printer-friendly format (from year 2012).