Maxine Regalia's Garden
Pleasanton
Gardening experience: Native plant garden was installed in December, 2004
Garden size: 800-sq.-ft. front garden only on tour
Showcase feature: Maxine wanted to "lose the lawn." In its place, she wished for a low-maintenance garden that would be chemical-free and healthy for children and that would look different from the neighbors' lawn-and-roses gardens. To complement the Mediterranean-style home, Alrie Middlebrook of Middlebrook Gardens created a meandering dry creek bed lined with cobbles and planted with native grasses, salvias, buckwheats, and other colorful shrubs. This garden—built in just two days!—is the only California native garden in this development.
Other garden attractions:
- Berms provide drainage for natives.
- Thick mulch and weed cloth discourage weeds.
- The garden should be irrigation-free this year.
Gardening for Wildlife: Flocks of cedar waxwings, lizards, butterflies and bees visit this garden. Hummingbirds love the native sages and fuschias.
Garden Talks: 12:30 "Lose the Lawn: Alternatives for Replacing the Lawn" by Alrie Middlebrook of Middlebrook Gardens