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Kate and Harry Dobbins' Garden

Oakland

Gardening experience: Native garden was installed in the fall of 2005

Garden size:6,000 sq. ft., 98% native

Years on Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour - 2
 
Showcase Feature
Kate attended the 2005 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and fell in love with a garden designed by Greg Wolford of Californica Landscaping. Kate and her brother Harry promptly hired Greg to transform the landscaping around their recently-inherited duplexes. The siblings had grown up on this property, which had been in the family—nearly unchanged—for more than 60 years. Now the front garden is a pleasing array of colorful, fragrant, sun-loving, drought-tolerant coastal plants. The L-shaped back yard and courtyard between the duplexes is a charming and peaceful shared garden space. Shade-loving plants tucked into the curved raised beds under the decks give a woodland feel. The sound of falling water attracts birds and soothes tenants and visitors. Come prepared to stay awhile; you'll want to linger in this small, aesthetically-pleasing garden.
 

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Other Garden Attractions
  • An original bathroom sink (from 1926) is now a burbling fountain and bird bath; a set of glass doors rescued from the dump add a vibrant dash of color and whimsy; interesting twisted juniper remnants are placed about the garden.
  • The open design of the entryway provides privacy, while keeping an airy feel.
  • Kate harvests elderberries and rose hips and makes jam, jelly, elderberry tincture, and elderberry liqueur.
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    Gardening for Wildlife
    A variety of berries—twin, coffee, elder, snow, and goose—and colorful flowering plants attract winged visitors of all kinds. The backyard fountain has become a popular bathing site for both local and migrating birds.
     
    Garden Talk – 11:00 “Creating the new California garden using drought-tolerant native plants" by Greg Wolford

     

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    Plant list

    More photos