Shirley McDonald’s Garden
Hercules
Gardening experience: 4 years
Years gardened at this location: 4 years
Size: 8,800 square feet
Showcase feature: This attractive low maintenance, water conserving garden represents three native plant communities; Coastal Sage Scrub chaparral and oak woodland garden. Designed and installed by the gardener, it was created out of a former sea of gold gravel, ice plant, and junipers. Shirley planted natives in order to “give back” to nature, and the plants were chosen for their wildlife value. A variety of plant heights and textures make this sunny garden a visual delight.
Other garden attractions:
- Plants are grouped by water needs.
- Plants were widely spaced to allow appropriate space for full growth.
- There is no dead-heading in this garden; seeds are left for the birds
- Reduced lawn in back garden
Gardening for Wildlife: A plethora of plants, such as manzanita, California lilac, sage, California fuschia, buckwheat, toyon, and yarrow were incorporated into the garden in order to provide habitat for wildlife. As a result, flickers, bushtits, scrub jays, robins, towees, mourning doves, hummingbirds lesser finches and goldfinches are frequent visitors. One day, a male quail was even seen strolling through this suburban lot. A variety of beneficial insects, such as bees, parasitic wasps, lacewings, and ladybugs are attracted to this garden by pollen and nectar-bearing plants. The ladybugs are now both breeding and over-wintering here. Alligator and fence lizards also make their homes in this wildlife-friendly garden.