Tim and Chris Boczanowski’s garden

Livermore

Lot size: 1,400 sq. ft. back garden, 90% native

Garden Age: Garden was installed in October, 2006

Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 3

Showcase Feature

Inspired by the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Tim and Chris asked Kat Weiss, of Kat Weiss Landscape Design, to work her magic in their sunny, hot, dry back garden—and did she!  A Three Rivers flagstone path meanders gracefully between raised garden beds; large moss rock boulders and a variety of glazed pots provide visual interest—and the plants!  Vibrant blue California lilac, orange monkeyflower, and magenta penstemen provide color in the spring; the pink rosy buckwheat blooms throughout the summer, and the tubular red flowers of the native fuchsia brighten the garden well into October. This fabulous design shows what can be done with a small space. Other Garden Attractions

  • Coast silktassel, toyon, and oaks create privacy screens.
  • Weeds are hand-pulled, or stopped in their tracks with boiling water.
  • The water bill for the garden has been reduced greatly; the garden is now watered only when temperatures reach the triple digits.
  • Curved garden bench is made from urbanite (free, used concrete) and topped with flagstone.

Gardening for Wildlife

Large boulders are havens for lizards.  The sound of water falling into the stone fountain attracts birds, as do the bird bath and the feeders.  Hummingbirds are attracted to the bright tubular flowers of the native fuchsia and monkeyflower.  Owls and hawks watch the avian action below with interest. Native Plants Sold Native plants will be available for sale from Native Revival Plant list



Photos

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