Lot size: 5 acres, 100% natives in oak woodland and dry stream bed restoration
Garden Age: The hillside has been restored in stages, beginning in 2003
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2
Showcase feature: A majestic north-facing oak and bay woodland with a thriving, diverse under story of native plants graces this lovely property. If you have been wondering what to plant under oaks, this garden is a must-see! Wear sturdy shoes and take the narrow path up the slope through the intact native woodland, which is carefully tended by Lyn Talkovsky.
Other garden attractions:
• In another section of the garden, a steep trail leads to a dry stream recently restored from a hemlock infestation and now planted with swordferns and other native plants.
• Enjoy the spectacular view of Chabot Park, Rocky Ridge in Las Trampas Park, and beyond.
• Shelterbelt Builders manages the area near the house for fire control.
Gardening for Wildlife:
In May, variable checkerspot, swallowtail and other butterflies are frequently seen, as are alligator and western fence lizards and a variety of native bees. More rarely seen are slender salamanders, ring-necked and gopher snakes and western rattlers. Commonly seen birds include Anna’s hummingbird, Hutton’s vireos, and orange-crowned warblers, but western tanagers, and even a piliated woodpecker have been spotted. Birders, bring your binoculars!
Garden Talk:
10:30 “How to restore native plant ecosystems while protecting your home from fire” by Rolland Mathers from Shelterbelt Builders (meet at the hot tub)
12:00, 1:00, 4:00 “A tour of the oak-bay understory plants” (meet on the drive way where path goes up into the woodland)
2:30 “Restoring a hemlock thicket to a native dry stream bed” by Lyn Talkovsky and Alan Harper (meet next to garage)
