Maggie Owens’ Garden
El Sobrante
Gardening experience: 20 years
Years gardened at this location: 3 years
Size: 6,600 square feet
Showcase feature: Extensive lawns in the front and back yard were removed three years ago, and “the roses were given away to people who loved them.” The front garden, designed and installed by Maggie and her family, is now an attractive, low-maintenance, water conserving habitat for wildlife. A number of the plants in this garden, including the willow hedge and ceanothus, were started by the gardener from seeds or cuttings.
Other garden attractions:
- An 80” Monterey pine was cut down and entirely incorporated into the
garden as steps, border edges, and mulch. - Driveway is decomposed granite.
- Excess dirt from a path creation project was used to create low mounds
that provide visual interest. - The backyard, a riot of colorful flowers, will also be open for viewing.
- Certified as a “Backyard Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation
Gardening for Wildlife: Garter snakes, salamanders, bees, monarch and buckeye butterflies, red-winged blackbirds, finches, doves, and hummingbirds are common visitors to this garden. A harrier can occasionally be seen perching in the backyard.