Lot size: 350 sq. ft. front garden, 90% native

Garden Age: Garden was installed in 2008

Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: New this year!

Showcase Feature: David, who wanted a garden that would attract native bees and butterflies, found Rick Alatorre of Alatorre Garden Design on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour website. Rick, undaunted by the “mish-mash of trees and geraniums,” worked his magic in this compact, secluded garden, selecting a cheerful array of brightly colored natives that would attract pollinators. Now exubertant purple-blue penstemon rub shoulders with hummingbird attracting orange and red monkeyflowers, which mingle nicely with cheerful yellow gum plants. Other Garden Attractions:

• Heritage apple trees (the White Pearmain, the oldest known English apple dates back to the 1200s; the Golden Russet and Cox Orange Pippen are from the 1840’s) are espaliered along the entry wall.
• In the shade garden next to the house red twig dogwoods, Douglas iris, flowering currants, and coral bells create a lush feel, mirroring the tranquil ambience of the adjacent woodland.

Gardening for Wildlife: A streamside redwood and oak woodland provides water, shelter, and nesting areas for wildlife.  In the sunny part of the garden, bird houses, a bird bath made from a carved basalt boulder, a butterfly mister, and the diversity of natives attract a plethora of birds, butterflies, bees, and moths. This garden is grazed by deer. Garden Talks: 12:00 and 3:00  “How to attract bees to your garden” by David Matthews