Showcase Features: Mastering the challenges of a very difficult terrain, this large front garden on a steep slope uses fieldstone and wooden retaining walls to create complex layers of different native trees, grasses, perennials, and shrubs.

Other Garden Attractions: Contrast the pampas grass on the neighbor's property, a ratty-looking noxious weed looking over the fence, with this rich display of beauty. On the terraced slope to the right of the driveway, different species of manzanita and salvia, oaks and a blue elderberry, and many other attractive site-appropriate plants create interest and habitat value year round. On the left of the driveway, mature ceanothus 'Snow Flurry' and 'Ray Hartman' and winter-blooming gooseberries round out the garden.

Gardening for Wildlife: The owner tells us her garden visitors are "too many to name" and with a garden like that, we're sure she's right.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 10

Garden Size: 15000 sq ft

Designer: Alrie Middlebrook, Middlebrook Gardens
Installer: Middlebrook Gardens

Plant list: In preparation, will be linked later...