El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative’s Garden
El Cerrito
Years gardened at this location: 4 years
Garden size: 800 square foot garden in front, another 800 in back
Showcase feature: In the front garden, decades-old junipers and pyracantha were removed from in July of 2004, and a diversity of native plants installed. In the back garden, an old fort was demolished and asphalt removed in order to create a native plant wildlife habitat garden, which was later expanded around the perimeter of the backyard. In spring wildflowers—especially the clarkia—are spectacular. Huckleberry, currants, and woodland strawberry have been planted around the fence-line to create a native fruit garden.
Other garden attractions:
- Be sure to see the 'before' photos.
- Oak stumps were used as borders around the raised beds.
Gardening for Wildlife: A variety of trees, vines, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, grasses and wildflowers have transformed the front and back gardens into places for people to enjoy, as well as wildlife. A mister and fountain attract both children and birds, including chickadees, nuthatches, gold and house finches, Anna’s and Allan’s hummingbirds, robins, scrub jays, mourning doves, seagulls, mockingbirds, towhees, bushtits, and white-crowned sparrows. Native bees and honeybees, and a variety of butterflies, now regularly visit this garden.
Native plants free or for sale: One free native plant per person. Additional native plants will be sold.