Lot size: 2150 sq. ft. back garden, 85% 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 attractive back garden, designed by Lorraine Edel of Garden Tapestries, was just what Angie and David wanted.  The water-consuming lawn and a couple of concrete patios disappeared (as did much of their water bill); the garden became mostly native; habitat for butterflies, bees, and birds was provided; and a shady place in which to place the hammock was found. Other Garden Attractions:

• Toyon, Island bush poppies, coffeeberry, and native grape soften the fence line. Swaths of dainty pink coral bells line the path.
• Bountiful veggie garden was placed in the sunniest part of the garden; the espaliered pluot is a living screen, dividing the garden into rooms.
• Worm castings are brewed into tea that is applied throughout the garden. A tub will be bubbling; ask David about the benefits of worm tea, and how to make it.
• The designer, Lorraine Edel, will be available throughout the day to answer questions.

Gardening for Wildlife: A burbling basalt column attracts Bewick’s wrens, finches, hummingbirds, and mourning doves, which are often waiting for the water to be turned on in the morning. Towhees hop through the mulch searching for tasty insects, spiders spin their webs in the branches of the toyons, and hummingbirds engage in aerial battles over the nectar-rich blossoms of native fuschias. Native bumblebees roll happily in the poppies. Lizards sun themselves on rocks. Garden Talks: 11:00 and 1:00 “How to improve your garden’s soil so as to create a vibrant, healthy garden” by Lorraine Edel Plant List