Lot size: 1/4 acre, 60% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in stages, beginning in 2009
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2
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 Alex Ashton of Urban Flora Landscape design planted a variety of native bunchgrasses and clarkia, lupines, penstemon, blue-eyed grass, and poppies. As the native garden expanded, Pat focused on including plants that would attract birds and pollinators—and also plants with delicious scents, such as yerba buena, hummingbird and Cleveland sage, and coyote mint. Happily, Pat reports that bees and hummingbirds began coming to the garden within hours of its being planted with natives.
Other Garden Attractions
- Drilled rock fountain attracts wildlife.
- A peaceful meditation spot and labyrinth occupy a shady area with a terrific view.
- Enjoy the whimsical artwork that is scattered throughout the garden, including metal silhouette herons, realistic-looking quail, quizzical owls, totem poles, and more.
- Comfortable “wine barrel” chairs invite you to take a rest and enjoy the garden—please do!
- Designer Alexandra Ashton will be at this garden all day.
Gardening for Wildlife
Quail parents and their dozen adorable chicks forage for seeds among the grasses in the front garden. Four species of woodpeckers, flickers, and many other types of birds are drawn by the water, seeds, and nectar provided in the garden, and the feeders (suet, mealworm, and Niger seed). In order to protect birds, the family cat is kept indoors.
Art in the Garden
Featured artist (and homeowners’ daughter) Katherine Rudebusch’s watercolors of native plants and their pollinators will be on display. Cards and prints will be available for purchase.
Whimsical garden art created with natural elements such as rusted metal, wood, and stone reflects the family’s interest in wildlife.
Garden Talks
11:00 Artist Talk: “Getting started with nature journaling” by Katherine Rudebusch
12:00 “How to garden for the birds and the bees” by Pat Rudebusch
Video
“Gardening for birds and bees” by Pat Rudebusch,
