Lot size: 1,200 sq. ft. front and side gardens 50% native, 2,600 sq. ft. back garden on tour, 80% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in stages, beginning in 2008
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 5
Showcase Feature
Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Mardi and Jeff removed the periwinkle and grass, planting 120 species of natives, and creating a haven that attracts native birds, bees, and butterflies. The garden was planted by Evan Mertens.
Other Garden Attractions
- A bunchgrass meadow, containing colorful wildflowers, is located in the sunny center of the garden.
- A boulder-strewn creek, planted with willows, dogwoods, and other streamside natives, was created next to the driveway.
Gardening for Wildlife
Water for wildlife is provided by a flowing creek, fountain, and bird bath. Berry-bearing plants (including currants, lemonade berry, huckleberry, red elderberry, coffeeberry, thimbleberry, and strawberry); mature trees (oak, bay, and cedar); and thickets provide food and shelter for wildlife. At least ten kinds of native bees have been spotted, as have owls. The garden is left unmulched to provide nesting areas for native ground-dwelling bees. Dutchman’s pipevine attracts iridescent blue-black pipevine swallowtail butterflies that come to the garden to lay eggs.
Garden Talks (the plants featured in the talks will be available for sale!)
11:00 “Top ten plants for gardening for bees, butterflies, and birds” by Mardi Mertens
12:00 “Top ten plants for gardening for bees, butterflies, and birds” by Mardi Mertens
Music in the Garden
In the morning, Nina Bailey and friends will play early baroque music on harpsichord, baroque oboes, and bass viol.
In the early afternoon, the Redwood Renaissance Trio, Ron Cohen, and Jeff and Mardi Mertens, will play on period instruments.
In the later afternoon, the award-winning Barefoot Quayles will play rollicking bluegrass music.
“The Barefoot Quales,” .
Native Plants for Sale
Oaktown Nursery will sell plants that attract native bees, birds, and butterflies.
“Best plants for Berkeley gardens” by Mardi Mertens
“Native plants that attract birds” by Es Anderson, created for the Regional Parks Botanic Garden
