Lot size: 900 sq. ft. front garden on tour, 99% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in the fall of 2008
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!
Showcase Feature
This secluded front garden, designed and installed by Troy, is a wonderful example of how a charming, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance sanctuary can be created from a nondescript, water-consuming lawn. A sinuous wall separates the more formal seating area, with its plethora of multi-colored pots and miniature sculptures, from the more natural part of the garden. Attractive raised beds, including one containing only white-flowering plants, are visually interesting, while providing the drainage natives need.
Other Garden Attractions
• No rainwater leaves the front garden in winter; check out the photos of the flo-wells (buried underground storage units), which contain water from the downspouts, and slowly provide a deep watering to the trees.
• Plants are hydro-zoned—meaning plants with the same water needs are grouped together. Once established, natives are watered monthly.
Gardening for Wildlife
Attracted by the variety of nectar and pollen-bearing natives, hummingbirds flit happily about; other winged visitors include monarch, Western tiger swallowtail, and checkerspot butterflies, which love this garden, as do bumble and honeybees. Grasses are left to go to seed, providing food for birds. The sound of water spilling from the solar-powered fountain attracts wildlife and adds to the peaceful feeling of this tranquil haven.
Garden Talks
11:00 and 2:00 “How to remove your lawn” by Troy McGregor
Plants Available
Troy, who has a passion for natives, found obtaining some of them challenging—so he started his own native plant nursery, GardenNatives. The nursery will sell natives on the day of the tour.
Plant List
