Carol Baird and Alan Harper's Garden
Oakland
Gardening experience: Total 6 years at this location
Garden size: 5 acres
Showcase feature: A majestic oak and bay woodland with a diverse understory of native plants—including ferns, mints, and grasses interspersed with carpets of Solomon's seal and yerba buena—graces this lovely property. If you have been wondering what to plant under oaks, this garden is a must-see! Wear sturdy shoes and take the narrow path up the slope through the intact native woodland, which is carefully tended by Lyn Talkovsky.
Other garden attractions:
- If you are lucky, you might see some of the unusual plants (such as Trillium or white globe lilies) found in this marvelous restoration project.
- The driveway was specifically designed so that only one small tree was lost.
- Enjoy the spectacular view of Chabot Park, Rocky Ridge in Las Trampas Park, and beyond.
- Shelterbelt Builders manages the area near the house for fire control.
Gardening for wildlife: In May, variable checkerspot, swallowtail, and other butterflies are frequently seen, as are alligator and western fence lizards, and a variety of native bees. More rarely seen are slender salamanders, ring-necked and gopher snakes, and western rattlers. Commonly seen birds include Anna's hummingbird, Hutton's vireos, and orange-crowned warblers, but Western tanagers, and even a piliated woodpecker have been spotted. Birders, bring your binoculars!
Garden Talks:
10:30 "How to restore native plant ecosystems while protecting your home from fire" by a staff member from Shelterbelt Builders (meet at the hot tub)
12:00 "A guided tour of the oak-bay understory plants" by Lyn Talkovsky (meet on the driveway, where the footpath goes up into the woodland)
3:00 "How to restore native plant ecosystems while protecting your home from fire" by a staff member from Shelterbelt Builders (meet at the hot tub)
4:00 "Sudden Oak Death: What it is, and how to prevent it" by a staff member from the California Oak Mortality Task Force (meet on the driveway where path goes up into the woodland)