Oaktown Native Plant Nursery and Daria Curtis and Eric Wrubel's Garden
1019 Bella Vista Avenue, Oakland
From I-580, take the Park Blvd. exit and turn west downhill on Park Blvd. Turn left onto East 28th; continue two blocks and turn left again onto Bella Vista Avenue.
Years gardened at this location: The nursery is 4 years old; the front garden is 11 years old
Garden size: 500-square-foot front garden, plus an extensive nursery of local native plants
Showcase feature: More than one hundred species of local native plants, including a dozen species of bunchgrasses, will be available for sale in this backyard nursery. This wide selection of regional natives, collected from remnant native populations found primarily in the East Bay, has been propagated by a cooperative of friends who wanted the best jobs ever—putting the oaks (and other natives as well!) back into Oakland.
Other garden attractions:
- The front garden, which was designed by Eric and Daria, is planted with an assortment of local natives, including Douglas iris, purple needlegrass, coyote mint, yarrow, and gum plant. The front garden receives no summer water.
- A towering oak provides shade in the back garden.
Gardening for Wildlife: Over thirty species of birds, and a variety of bees, butterflies, other insects, and lizards frequent this garden. A "wild" area of native shrubs is left in the back garden for the butterflies and birds. The bird-friendly bird bath has a lot of high nearby perches, and the open area around the bath prevents cats from hiding.
Garden Talks: 11:00 and 2:00 "Top Ten Natives for Your Garden" by Daria Curtis
Plants sold or given away: It's all about making site-specific native plants available for sale! A large quantity and variety of plants will be available for sale.
Plant List: View their plant list and prices at http://www.oaktownnativenursery.info/ .