El Sobrante Library Garden
4191 Appian Way,
El Sobrante
Garden Lot size: ½ acre restoration project, two 1,000 square foot native plant gardens
Years gardened at this location (Gardening Experience): Entrance garden was planted in 2004, creekside restoration project planting began in 2002 and has continued in stages since.
Showcase feature: The El Sobrante Library features one local native plant garden located near the library entrance, another at the rear of building, and a creek restoration project behind the library. The native plant garden in the front of the library was designed by Glen Schneider and planted by volunteers. This garden consists of a young woodland area, and an exuberantly beautiful California meadow in the sunny areas. The woodland includes oak, toyon, snowberry, irises, and wild strawberry. The meadow features five species of native bunchgrasses, wildflowers, and perennials such as yampah, yarrow, and asters. The garden at the back of the library contains a variety of perennials.
San Pablo Creek flows behind the Library. This shady area, once unsafe due to crime, is now an inviting spot with picnic tables and reading areas. Volunteers cleared ivy, periwinkle, and Himalayan blackberry by hand. This restoration project demonstrates how a diversity of local native plants increase both the aesthetic and wildlife values of creek side properties. This project was carried out by SPAWNERS ).
Other garden attractions:
- Excellent collection of native bunchgrasses.
- Mature riparian (streamside) woodland featuring buckeyes, black walnuts, oaks, and sycamores.
Gardening for Wildlife: Deer, woodpeckers, ducks, flickers, songbirds, and many kinds of butterflies and bees frequent the gardens and restoration site.
Garden Talks: 10:00 – 12:00 Children’s activities! Watershed ecology and leaf rubbings; toddler’s playground on site; librarian will read nature books to 3 – 7 year olds at 11:00. For adults: 10:30 and 12:30: Guided tours of the demonstration gardens.
Native plant-related items sold/given away: Native plants will be available in exchange for donations; the proceeds will benefit SPAWNERS.
Directions:
From I-80 take San Pablo Dam Road exit and go east along San Pablo Dam Rd. for 1.5 miles to Appian Way. Turn left onto Appian, cross the creek and take the first left on to Garden Road. Turn left into the Library parking lot.
From Hwy 24, take the Orinda exit and drive west on San Pablo Dam Rd. about 8 miles to the stoplight at Appian Way and turn right. Turn left onto Garden Road and then turn left again into the Library parking lot.