Showcase Feature
The Hillside Club was founded in 1898 by women intent on preserving the natural beauty of the Berkeley hills. As time passed the landscaping at the Club changed, and changed again, until eventually the front garden consisted mostly of a large juniper hedge, agapanthus, and holly.
Now, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Club volunteers who designed the garden and gorgeous brick paths, built an amazing redwood pergola, selected the elegant array of shade-loving native plants, and maintain the space—the gardens at the Hillside Club have returned to their roots—literally!
The bucolic front garden, situated beneath mature sycamore trees, consists of lush, full beds of pink flowering currants, coffeeberries, ferns and other native plants, which flourish in wide, meandering garden beds accessed via brick or decomposed granite paths. Enjoy the peaceful ambience while resting on the inviting bench, which was designed by the architect Julia Morgan, and recreated using one of her original molds.
The charming back garden has just been completely redone, and is open for the first time this year. Double basket weav
e brick terraces are connected by gracefully curving brick pathways laid in an orthogonal (meaning, at right angles to each other) herringbone; a double running border unifies the pathways and terraces. This creates a cozy, rustic feel as the path wends between towering redwoods and the recently reshingled hundred-year old building.
The newly-planted back garden, which is in deep shade to dappled sunlight, is anchored by giant chain ferns and dotted with maidenhair ferns, wild ginger, redwood sorrel, fringe cups and coral bells. The fenceline is softened by thimbleberry and Western azalea.
Other Garden Attractions
• Bicyclists can lock their bikes against the custom-made hand-wrought bike racks.
• Restrooms are available to Tour participants.
Gardening for Wildlife 
The native plants in this garden provide nectar, seeds, and berries for butterflies, bees, and birds.
Keystone species in this garden (watch this talk by Doug Tallamy!)
Keystone species—our own, local ecological powerhouse plants— in this garden include flowering currant, manzanita, redbud, and native strawberry.
Green Features
Solar panels reduce the Club’s PG&E bill.
Plants Available
Seeds of poppies, columbine, other native flowers, and divisions of Douglas iris and more—propagated from Club members’ gardens—will be available in exchange for donations.
11:00 Take a brief, guided tour of the historic Hillside Club with Resident Manager Ellen Dougherty
Music in the Garden
2:00-5:00 Come enjoy American folk tunes played by Jim Fischer, banjo player extraordinaire
Photos
Click to see as a slideshow:
