Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and Green Home Features Showcase

The Hillside Club

2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Showcase Feature The front garden of the Hillside Club features California native shade-loving plants, including Western azalea, currants, snowberry, dogwoods, and ferns, which are a beautiful complement to this historic building. The Hillside Club was

The Hillside Club2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Jane Maxwell’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Showcase Feature Jane, who had had enough of her “miserable excuse of a lawn,” wanted to “do the right thing” and provide habitat for wildlife, while also having a water-conserving garden. (And she got

Jane Maxwell’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Tré Frane’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Showcase Feature Tré, who has been attending the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour since it began in 2005, had long dreamed of having a native plant garden; now that the pines, weeping

Tré Frane’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Mike and Mardi Veiluva’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Showcase Feature While on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Mike and Mardi visited the California Native Bee Garden in Berkeley—and were sold on the idea of creating habitat for bees in their

Mike and Mardi Veiluva’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Bill and Nancy English’s garden

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Showcase Feature The back garden was a large lawn; but the kids were grown, and Bill and Nancy thought it was time for a change. Alexandra Ashton, of Urban Flora Landscape Design, designed

Bill and Nancy English’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Dale Wolford’s garden, Garden #19 on Virtual Tour

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Showcase Feature Dale, a long-time Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour participant, was ready for the lawn and junipers to be replaced by a garden that would conserve water, be colorful, attract bees and

Dale Wolford’s garden, Garden #19 on Virtual Tour2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Jeff and Kathleen Johnson’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Showcase Feature The kids were grown, the pool and small patches of lawn had outlived their usefulness, and Jeff and Kathleen were ready for a change. Specifically, they wanted an attractive garden that was

Jeff and Kathleen Johnson’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Nancy and Clark Vandell’s garden

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Showcase Feature The spectacular view across the valley and to the oak-covered hills in the distance is equaled by this beautiful back garden, a delightful combination of texture, form, and color, designed by the

Nancy and Clark Vandell’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Lorraine Kalich’s garden

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Showcase Feature This tranquil garden, designed by the team at Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture, with supplemental planting and care by Pete Veilleux of East Bay Wilds, blends beautifully with the adjacent oak-studded hills of the

Lorraine Kalich’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Mekhala Chandrashekar’s garden

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Showcase Feature This large corner lot, once a humdrum hedge and large, water-consuming lawn, is now a dynamic garden that changes with the seasons, following the rhythms of the natural world. In December and

Mekhala Chandrashekar’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Melinda Bandler’s garden

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Showcase Feature Melinda Bandler’s back garden, designed by the team at Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture, is a delightful combination of texture, form, and color. Ribbons of purple-blue penstemon line the Wolf Creek flagstone path.

Melinda Bandler’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Penny Spear and Kathleen Lowe’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Showcase Feature Over the years Penny and Kathleen have removed forty Italian cypresses, junipers, lawn, failing retaining walls, a lot of concrete, and a sea of oxalis from their large corner lot. In their

Penny Spear and Kathleen Lowe’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:42-07:00

Stephanie Jones and John Kundert’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

When John and Stephanie stopped watering their water-guzzling front lawn it looked “terrible.” In its place they wanted an attractive and sustainable garden that had a manicured look, and would be able to tolerate future

Stephanie Jones and John Kundert’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Dixie Finley’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Showcase Feature Dixie Finley’s front lawn was the first to be sheet mulched in a “How to remove your lawn (and get paid for it, too!)” workshop. A lawn conversion rebate from Zone 7

Dixie Finley’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Laura Cornett and Brad Buehler’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Showcase Feature A sheet mulching workshop held at neighbor Dixie Finley’s house inspired Laura to sheet mulch her own lawn away. The charming woodland garden that took its place was designed by Laura, and installed

Laura Cornett and Brad Buehler’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Ann Brown and Steve Ketzler’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Showcase Feature Ann and Steve wanted a garden that would use less water than their large lawn required, be low maintenance, and have a natural look. So, they were very happy when, in May

Ann Brown and Steve Ketzler’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Kay Countryman and Ron Briggs’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Showcase Feature Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Kay and Ron stopped watering their large lawn and asked Roxy Wolosenko of Roxy Designs to design and install a water-conserving, low-maintenance garden

Kay Countryman and Ron Briggs’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Dan and Lisa Wanket’s garden

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Showcase Feature The charming front garden contains a waterfall, stream, and shallow pond, which birds love to bathe in, and Dan and Lisa love to relax by. The delicate leaves and sky-blue flowers of

Dan and Lisa Wanket’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Nancy Niemeyer’s garden

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Showcase Feature Nancy is passionate about both nature and archaeology; these interests intertwined in the development of the garden she designed and installed, which was modeled on ancient Roman gardens. The rectangular courtyard, planted with

Nancy Niemeyer’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:43-07:00

Chris and Lorianne Mayo’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Showcase Feature Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour participant and volunteer Lori is a fifth generation Californian—so when she decided to sheet mulch the lawn during the drought, planting California natives was a given for

Chris and Lorianne Mayo’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Merle Norman and Curtis Beech’s garden

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Showcase Feature In 1990 the front garden contained two rose bushes and hip-high weeds; the back yard was a sea of concrete. Merle loved to hike, and she wanted her garden to reflect

Merle Norman and Curtis Beech’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Sally Mathews’ garden

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Showcase Feature Long-time Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour attendee Sally Mathews died in late 2018 after a 10-month battle with brain cancer; she loved watching the garden and birdlife evolve with the seasons

Sally Mathews’ garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Peggy Olofson’s garden

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Showcase Feature Peggy had a vision for this garden, and that vision did not include the existing flat lawn, or the large brick patio that took up space under the redwood tree. Hauling in

Peggy Olofson’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Nick and Liza Mealy’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Showcase Feature Nick and Liza’s 1920s house was constructed next to the former right-of-way to the Key Route System’s Underhill Station, which was located right behind what is now the Mealys’ home. In the

Nick and Liza Mealy’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Joanne Holland and Scott MacPherson’s garden

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Showcase Feature Joanne and Scott’s back garden was “a disaster;”crowded with privets, a poorly placed crabapple, and a lot of oxalis. Happily, they found Michael Thilgen and the team at Four Dimensions Landscape Company,

Joanne Holland and Scott MacPherson’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Clytia and Joe Curley’s garden

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Showcase Feature In 1893 a trolley line was built to carry picnickers (including Mark Twain) across Indian Gulch (named for the nearby seasonal Native American village) to the bucolic oak-bay woodland that blanketed the

Clytia and Joe Curley’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Sam Brewer’s garden

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Showcase Feature Sam, a native Californian, liked the aesthetic of California native plants; in order to get the garden he wanted he attended the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, took copious notes on

Sam Brewer’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Green Thumb Works Native Plant Nursery – Open Sat. May 4 only!

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Address: 20095 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (at the Paradise Community Garden, located between Paradise Blvd and Hampton Road, in the Cherryland District.) Phone and text: (510) 502-0992 Hours: First Saturday of the month, 10:00

Green Thumb Works Native Plant Nursery – Open Sat. May 4 only!2026-04-08T10:41:45-07:00

Nancy McKee-Jolda and Robert Jolda’s garden   

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Showcase Feature Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Nancy and Robert sheetmulched their front lawn away, then designed their own native plant garden. Not satisfied with the result, three years later

Nancy McKee-Jolda and Robert Jolda’s garden   2026-04-08T10:41:46-07:00

Jean Hansen’s garden

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The steps in the front garden are shallow; watch your footing, and hold the hand-rail. The backyard has stepping stones leading up a shallow hill; please watch your step. This garden is not for people

Jean Hansen’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:46-07:00

Michael Graf ‘s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:48-07:00

Showcase Feature Michael has turned an area that formerly contained only exotics into a charming native plant garden.  Wide, gracefully curving garden beds, provide the drainage that most natives need, wrap around a reduced lawn. Recently

Michael Graf ‘s garden2026-04-08T10:41:48-07:00

Pat and Glenn Rudebusch’s garden

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Please do not park on Overhill Road. Showcase Feature Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Pat began removing the junipers, gravel, and weeds in her front yard.  In their place she and

Pat and Glenn Rudebusch’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:48-07:00

East Bay Wilds – Open on Sat. and Sun. May 4 and 5, 2019

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28th Avenue at Foothill Blvd. (2777 Foothill, if using a GPS) in the Fruitvale District of Oakland Native Plant Sale Extravaganza Special!  Open on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2019 from

East Bay Wilds – Open on Sat. and Sun. May 4 and 5, 20192026-04-08T10:41:48-07:00

The Watershed Nursery – Open Sat. and Sun., May 2 and 3, 2020

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601 Canal Blvd., Suite A Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 234-2222 www.thewatershednursery.com HOURS Open Tuesdays-Sundays 10:00-4:00.  Closed Mondays   PHILOSOPHY After years for working on local environmental and wetland projects, scientists Diana

The Watershed Nursery – Open Sat. and Sun., May 2 and 3, 20202026-04-08T10:41:48-07:00

John and Fran Alcorn’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:51-07:00

Showcase Feature Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, John and Fran asked Kat Weiss of Kat Weiss Landscape Design to make some changes to their garden, which was largely lawn.

John and Fran Alcorn’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:51-07:00

Markham Arboretum – Open Sat. and Sun. May 5 and 6, 2018

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1202 La Vista Avenue Concord (925) 681-2968 http://www.markhamarboretum.org info@markhamarboretum.org Hours: Every Tuesday (weather permitting) 9:00-12:00, and select Saturdays from Spring to Fall. For a list of Markham's Saturday sales, visit http://markhamarboretum.org/page18.html#SaturdaySales Bringing Back the

Markham Arboretum – Open Sat. and Sun. May 5 and 6, 20182026-04-08T10:41:52-07:00

Annie’s Annuals and Perennials – Open Sat. and Sun. May 2 and 3, 2020

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There's No Place Like Annie's! Open 7 Days, 9-5 740 Market Ave. in Richmond, CA Shop during the Tour’s Native Plant Sale Extravaganza, when Annie's Anuals and Perennials will be open from 10:00 –

Annie’s Annuals and Perennials – Open Sat. and Sun. May 2 and 3, 20202026-04-08T10:41:54-07:00

Oaktown Native Plant Nursery – Open Sat. and Sun. May 2 and 3, 2020

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  702 Channing Way, Berkeley (510) 387-9744 Website E-mail View Oaktown’s plant list here. Hours Thursday through Sunday 10:00-5:00, or by appointment. Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Special! Shop during

Oaktown Native Plant Nursery – Open Sat. and Sun. May 2 and 3, 20202026-04-08T10:41:55-07:00

Nancy Wenninger’s garden

2026-04-29T21:42:19-07:00

Showcase Feature This beautiful garden was created to provide food, shelter, and nesting areas for birds—and has it! More than eighty species of birds have been drawn in by the butterfly and moth attracting plants

Nancy Wenninger’s garden2026-04-29T21:42:19-07:00

Bob and Stephanie Sorenson’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:55-07:00

Showcase Feature For anyone interested in streamside or restoration gardening, or gardening for wildlife, this garden is a must-see. The Sorensons have spent the last thirty-five years restoring the creek side and adjacent uplands. The

Bob and Stephanie Sorenson’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:55-07:00

Valerie and Harry Thurston’s garden

2026-04-08T10:41:58-07:00

Showcase Feature Concerns about the environment prompted Valerie and Harry to lose their lawn and replace it with a water-conserving, pesticide-free garden that would attract wildlife.  This cottage garden, designed and installed by Michael

Valerie and Harry Thurston’s garden2026-04-08T10:41:58-07:00

San Lorenzo High School’s garden and Native Plant Nursery

2026-04-08T10:42:03-07:00

Showcase Feature Visit San Lorenzo High School's one-acre native plant garden, created by students from the former swimming pool, which had been bulldozed and filled with rubble. Now looking like a "natural garden

San Lorenzo High School’s garden and Native Plant Nursery2026-04-08T10:42:03-07:00

Barbara and Phil Leitner’s garden

2026-04-08T10:42:10-07:00

Showcase Feature This attractive, tranquil garden, designed by David Bigham and installed by Barbara, features a sunny meadow with low-growing grasses, sedges, and wildflowers surrounded by taller borders of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. A phalanx

Barbara and Phil Leitner’s garden2026-04-08T10:42:10-07:00

Al and Barbara Kyte’s garden   

2026-04-08T10:42:10-07:00

Showcase Feature Over the last fifty years Al, a flyfishing author and teacher, converted his typical suburban lot into a lovely, low-maintenance, park-like landscape. In the beautiful front garden, a streambed located between graceful vine

Al and Barbara Kyte’s garden   2026-04-08T10:42:10-07:00

Mary Cooper’s garden

2026-04-08T10:42:12-07:00

Showcase Feature Mary, who has been attending the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour since its inception in 2005, was ready to get rid of the juniper-heavy ‘50s-style landscape. Inspired by the Tour, she hired

Mary Cooper’s garden2026-04-08T10:42:12-07:00

Glen Schneider’s garden

2026-04-08T10:42:12-07:00

Showcase Feature Glen has been bringing nature home for two decades. In that time, a buckeye seed he collected from Mt. Diablo has grown to a spreading, lichened tree. The garden has gradually taken

Glen Schneider’s garden2026-04-08T10:42:12-07:00
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