These homeowners' journey to create a more natural landscape started five years ago with the removal of the thatchy Bermuda grass in the front of the house. As they learned more about creating a sustainable garden, they started focusing on California natives with some Mediterranean herbs. They've been working with Colleen and Ryan from Grow Native nursery in choosing the ideal plants for their home.
Anchoring the front of the house are three California natives that they hope will provide year round interest: the bush island poppy with its explosion of sunny yellow flowers, the gnarled manzanita, and the anemone which seems to be the most challenging to thrive here (but they're not losing hope!). Native sages, penstemons and ceanothus combined with lavenders and rosemary to provide year round blue flowers.
They kept some roses inherited from the previous owner that they love too much to remove. Dutch irises in many shades of blue flower in early spring with much anticipation. While not native to this region, they seem to naturalize easily here and double every few years.
They installed drip irrigation throughout the yard and a rain barrel to provide water through the dry summer months.
