Tom and Shirley Butt's garden
Point Richmond
Garden Lot size: 2 acres
Years gardened at this location (Gardening Experience): 20 years (31 years)
Showcase feature: This extensive garden, which is reached by climbing a lot of stairs, is on the north slope of Nicholl Knob, and includes a large expanse of remnant coastal prairie. The lovely bunchgrass Festuca californica, once common in the East Bay, is abundant in this here. Plants that naturally accompany this bunchgrass, such as soaproot, bracken fern, California rose, toyon, and coyote bush, provide a magical glimpse into the past. Closer to the house, a waterfall and pond next to the dining table, the arcs of vine-covered arbors, and productive vegetable beds create a restful oasis for the gardeners.
Other garden attractions:
- This productive garden contains more than 20 kinds of fruit.
- Broom, blackberry, and poison oak once covered much of this property, which was cleared of weeds without the use of pesticides.
- Certified as a "Backyard Wildlife Habitat" by the National Wildlife Federation.
- Stop by the Consultants Corner, check out the suite of garden chemicals on display, and ask Tanya Drlik what you can use instead that will help protect children's health and wildlife.
Gardening for Wildlife: Butterflies, moths, and bees love this garden and the plants selected specifically to attract them! To attract butterflies, nectar and host plants have been thoughtfully chosen, a fountain and birdbath provide water, and rotting logs and thickets provide shelter from strong winds and predators. Because many butterflies over winter as pupae (not adults), the gardeners are cautious when pruning host plants (where butterflies lay their eggs and larvae feed during the cool weather). The dense plantings provide thickets and shelter for birds.
Garden Talks: 12:00 “Using resident goats to control brush” and 3:00 “Honeybees in the garden: see how honey is extraction from the hives, and enjoy a sample!” both by Tom and Shirley Butt