Tucked behind a white picket fence is Ruth’s 1885 Queen Anne Cottage, is a small, beautiful, and relaxing native plant garden. Designed by Rosemary Zappulla of Wildrose Gardens to provide year-round color (this garden is a riot of poppies in the spring); use a minimum of water; and be low maintenance, this compact garden completely fits the bill. The contoured raised berm provides drainage for rosy buckwheat, manzanita, and yarrow. Buckeye, coast silk tassel, coffeeberry, and California lilac will create a ring of privacy screens when mature. The attractive flagstone patio is the perfect venue from which to sit and enjoy it all.
Other Garden Attractions
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- The shady side garden has been planted with coffeeberry, elderberry, currants, and Island alum root.
- The driveway has cement strips for the tires, with pebbles between the strips that allow water to drain naturally into the soil.
Gardening for Wildlife
The attractive copper bird bath is appreciated by feathered and two-legged visitors alike. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths flit nectar and rest in this inviting garden.
Photos
Click to see as a slideshow:
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- The unrepressed riot of wildflowers in Ruth Lafler’s Alameda garden may make it easy to miss the perennials that keep this garden looking great throughout the year.
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- Toshiba Digital Camera