Nathan Smith's Garden
El Cerrito
Gardening experience: Total 5 years at this location
Garden size:
Showcase feature: Nathan, the horticulturist for the California collection of the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, loves all kinds of plants. This is apparent in the 100 species of drought-tolerant plants he selected and installed, 40 of which are native. The front garden allows Nathan and his wife, Marcy, to enjoy the sunny area on the street side of the house (spending more time there than in their shady back garden). They feel that spending time in the front garden makes the neighborhood safer and a more friendly place to live, and, ever since the barbecue, table, and chairs were installed, neighbors stop by to chat and enjoy the profusion of plants in this small garden.
Other garden attractions:
- Native red currant creates a privacy screen.
- In the back, recycled concrete pad makes a walkway, patio, and raised beds, which provide drainage.
- Dog-tolerant front-yard plantings allow their Rudy to roll around on and rest in the native sedges.
- Micro-spray irrigation system waters the garden twice a month.
- Check out the "before" photos.
Gardening for wildlife: Hummingbirds love the native hummingbird sage, and provide daily entertainment for Nathan and his Marcy. Butterflies and bees are also attracted to the diverse array of plants in this garden.
Garden Talks: 10:30 and 1:30 "The Global Garden: Mixing California Natives and Drought-adapted Plants from Around the World"