Showcase Features: This small city garden "Went Native" in 2001 beginning with the front yard named "Mockingbird Meadow". Here began a special collection of Manzanitas, Sages and other California Native plants. Of note are the two 'Sunset' Manzanitas, a variety developed for the 75th anniversary of Sunset Magazine. In the corner climbs a 'Rodger Red' grape vine which produced most of the 230 pounds of grapes harvested in 2014. These grapes were crushed and hot water bath processed into 127 jars of flavorful organic juice. "Eagle Rock Refuge" in the back yard "Went Native" in 2004. The focal point here is the Coast Redwood tree with a circumference of 13 feet which greatly influences life in the garden. A large (12'h. x 15'w.) Lemonade Berry shrub produces red berries which have been made into a delicious lemon flavored yellow jelly. Another prized manzanita, the 'Louis Edmunds' Serpentine is found here with it's rich chocolate colored bark and silver-green leaves. Please review the plant list to find the names of the other 55 Native plants found in the garden. DURING THE TOUR the California Native Plants will be identified with a Yellow Ribbon and Number. The plants from other countries or states will be identified with a White Ribbon and Number. Those Numbers will match the Plant's Name on a Special Plant LIST available at the Garden.

Other Garden Attractions: 1) The Rock Art Site provides 2 activities for children. 2) Children are invited to bring a small boat (less than 12 inches) to float in the small pond "Whispering Hope Wells" (under adult supervision). 3) Backyard Chickens and Coop 4)White Ringneck Doves and Aviary 5) A man-made fountain "Rocking Horse Falls" and Stone creek bed "El Rio de la Paz" for flood control when it rains.

Gardening for Wildlife: NWF "Backyard Habitat" since 2005. Attracts: Hummingbirds, White crown sparrows, California Towhee, Goldfinches, Eurasian Collared Doves, Juncos, Mourning Doves, Woodpeckers, Squirrels, Butterflies, and Bees. Wrens & Bushtits have nested here.

Years of CA Native Gardening at this Location: 14

Garden Size: 5000 sq ft

Designer: Annaloy Nickum and homeowner (front yard); Chachi Huiltron Landscapes and homeowner (back yard)
Installer: Several (will be posted at the garden)

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