Christine Erskine’s Garden
Oakland
Gardening experience: Wherever there’s been dirt
Years gardened at this location: 5 years
Size: 20’ x 60’ front garden only
Showcase feature: This small, charming garden, designed and installed by Christine, was created from a former tangle of blackberry, ivy, box hedges and camellias. Millions of green waste bins later, these plants have been replaced by low terraces planted with natives and herbs, and separated by recycled cement, sandstone, schist, and cobblestones. See what can be accomplished in a series of small spaces!
Other garden attractions:
- Recently the lawn was removed and replaced with a meadow containing more than 30 species of California natives, including grasses, rushes, coneflower, coral bells, sage, and wildflowers.
- Bring cash (and your worm composting questions) and purchase healthy, pampered, red wiggler worms from vermiculture expert Judith Grant.
Gardening for Wildlife: Since removing the weeds and switching to natives, the gardener has seen “more life in the garden.” Ladybug larvae climb happily about, gold finches drop by, and butterflies are frequent visitors. Carpenter bees, honey bees, yello-faced bumble bees, and some hovering flies that pollinate the smaller flowers are frequently seen. Cooper's hawks roost on the tall trees nearby. Food for wildlife is provided by nectar plants, shelter provided by the diversity of plants and plant heights, and water in the bird bath and adjacent creek.
Garden Talk: 11:00 and 2:00 “How to set up and maintain a worm bin” by Judith Grant
12:00 and 3:00 “How to remove your lawn and replace it with a native bunchgrass meadow” by Christine Erskine