Irene Kiebert and Michael Fischer's garden
El Cerrito
Garden Lot size: 2,000 sq. ft. front garden only on tour, 100 % native
Years gardened at this location (Gardening Experience): Garden was installed in the fall of 2006.
Years on the "Bringing Back the Natives" Garden Tour: New this year!
Showcase feature: Irene and Michael’s garden, formerly consisting of juniper, gravel, pine needles, and shaded by large Monterey pines, was redesigned and installed by Rosemary Zappulla of Wildrose Gardens. Irene and Michael wanted to “bring back the birds and bugs,” thus their choice of local native plants. Most of the plants incorporated in this restoration garden were propagated from seed collected from El Cerrito wildlands and grown by Native Here Nursery staff and volunteers. Plants are from the grassland, oak woodland, Northern Coast sage scrub plant communities. A swale keeps rain water on site.
Other garden attractions:
- Most of the stones used to make retaining walls came from this property; the remainder were salvaged from a neighbor’s hillside.
- Coffeeberry, buckeyes, and big leaf maples will form living screens when mature. Native grapes and currants attract birds.
- Exterior siding on the house is made from HardiPlank, a recycled material.
- Plants incorporated into this design are deer and fire resistant.
- Don’t miss the “before” photos—you’ll see why the neighbors love the new garden!
Gardening for Wildlife: Doing what they can to create a healthy environment, this couple foregoes the use of pesticides. Stone piles are warming places for butterflies and homes for lizards. Bats, native bees, butterflies, and raccoons also frequent this garden. Irene has noticed more birds since the garden was transformed. Hungry gophers dictated that most plants be protected by wire mesh baskets.
Garden Talks: The designer, Rosemary Zappulla, will be available from 1:00 – 3:00 to answer questions.