Marilyn and Carl Hirsch's Garden
Walnut Creek
Gardening experience: Native plant garden is 10 months old
Garden size: 3,700-square-foot backyard only on tour
Showcase feature: A splashing fountain is the centerpiece of a series of flagstone and decomposed granite paths that leads one artfully through this extensive back garden. Designed and installed by Michael Thilgen and the staff of Four Dimensions Landscape Development to blend in with the adjacent open space, this sunny garden, with its numerous seating areas, invites visitors to relax and enjoy the blend of garden amenities and the rural surroundings. California natives combine well in this lovely garden with drought-adapted and habitat-enhancing Mediterranean species.
Other garden attractions:
- Removal of much of the lawn has resulted in lower water bills.
- Tall hedges that blocked desirable sight-lines were removed and replaced with low-growing native meadow species.
- Ask about Marilyn's $13 summertime electric bill. (Hint: it has to do with the solar panels.)
Gardening for wildlife: The sound of falling water and several bird feeders attract hummingbirds and finches, while butterflies and bees happily flit and buzz nearby. Coyotes and cows cruise the fence line.
