Lot size: 7,000 sq. ft. back and side gardens, 75% native
Garden Age: Garden was installed in the fall of 2013
Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 2
Showcase Feature
It’s hard to believe that just a short while ago this garden was an enormous lawn—6,000 square feet of it, in fact. Thanks to lawn and drip irrigation rebates from the East Bay Municipal Utility District the lawn has vanished and the Brehmer’s water bill has gone down by more than half, saving them $150 a month. In addition to losing their lawn, Richard and Sandy also lost the pest control and lawn care companies, with their pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and associated costs. This peaceful, serene garden was designed and installed by Roxy Wolosenko of Roxy Designs. You will reach this garden by walking up a steep, steep driveway; this Tour stop is not for anyone with balance difficulties.
Other Garden Attractions
- Bubbling drilled rock fountain attracts wildlife—both the winged and the two-legged varieties.
- Gracefully curving peach-colored Arizona flagstone paths wend through the garden.
- Upon removal the lawn was piled up in mounds, creating the high raised garden beds the natives are planted in.
- This garden is watered by Netafim, an efficient and sturdy drip irrigation product.
- Designer Roxy Wolosenko will be at this garden from 10:00-1:00 to answer questions.
Gardening for Wildlife
Birds, carpenter, bumble, and honey bees, butterflies, and lizards frequent this sunny garden.
Garden Talks
11:00 “Practical tips for installing drip irrigation in native plant gardens: Curious about how you can conserve water in your own garden? This is the right place—bring your questions!” by Roxy Wolosenko
