© Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds
Diane Fagan's Garden
Oakland
Gardening experience: Native garden was installed two years ago.
Garden size: 40' x 20' front (99% native) garden and large non-native back garden on the Tour
Showcase feature: This vibrant garden, designed and installed by Pete Veilleux of East Bay Wilds, is a visual delight; if you have a small garden in the flats, this one is a must-see. The struggling lawn and cement from the former path were used to create high raised beds to provide privacy and drainage, and which bring the plants closer to eye level. This exuberant, lush garden provides color throughout the year; in spring, California lilac and lupines bloom blue and purple amidst a variety of vibrant wildflowers. In summer, the reds of penstemon, fuchsia, and yarrow contrast with bright yellow goldenrod and creamy and pink buckwheats. The diversity of plant heights and textures is a visual treat. Coast silk tassle, madrone, and redbud—although small now—will provide additional structure as they mature.
Other garden attractions:
- The garden is watered once a month in the summer.
- Permeable driveway and path surfaces allow rainwater to drain naturally.
- The eclectic back garden, containing, according to one expert "the worst soil I have ever seen," is Diane's personal gardening experiment; an eclectic, attractive mix of sunflowers, citrus, vegetables, roses, and other orFaganntals.
Gardening for wildlife: Hummingbirds love the California fuchsia and monkeyflower. Salamanders, which were not found in the front garden prior to its transformation, are now occasionally seen hiding under rocks. Butterflies, ladybugs, and bees frequent this warm, welcoming habitat.
Plants sold or given away: East Bay Wilds will be selling native plants.