A Garden with a View

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Garden Features

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Drought Tolerant

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Edible Garden

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Deer Resistant

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Drip Irrigation

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Rain Garden

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Reclaimed/Recycled Materials

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Smart Irrigation Controller

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Lawn-Free Landscaping

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Urban Homestead

Nestled with a picturesque backdrop of Mount Burdell and the serene lower terraces, our garden stands as a multifaceted haven of beauty and functionality. Over the span of 11 years, in close collaboration with our dedicated landscaper Mario Orihuela, we’ve meticulously crafted a retreat that seamlessly blends practicality, enjoyment, and natural allure.

Initiated six years ago, our endeavor began with the installation of new retaining walls, marking the inception of a journey towards continual enhancement. Each passing year saw the addition of intricately designed stairs, inviting decks, and refined drip systems, all expertly executed by Mario and his team. From the inception of an outdoor kitchen and fireplace to the weaving pathways and staircases, every element was thoughtfully chosen to complement the vibrant hues of the surrounding landscape.

Among the garden’s captivating features lies the enchanting Off-the-Grid She Shed, a sanctuary powered by renewable energy sources including a Yedi generator and solar lights, alongside an environmentally conscious toilet. Crafted by the skilled artisans of Back-Yard Eichler, this retreat stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As I immerse myself in the world of horticulture, I eagerly anticipate embarking on a master gardener education journey upon retirement, envisioning endless days spent nurturing our backyard oasis. Meanwhile, a poignant touch adorns our front yard in the form of a memorial garden, blossoming from a humble tree gift into a tranquil park bench honoring Grandpa Hal’s cherished memory.

Plants in this Garden

Euphorbia spp

Spurge, Euphorbia
Organization

Large and variable group of several thousand plants that vary in both form and water requirements. Caution: Some euphorbias reseed readily, and all have milky white sap that is irritating to skin and poisonous.

Low-water examples: Mediterranean spurge (E. characias, 3-4’ x 3-4’) and E. c. spp. Wulfenii offer large clusters of flower bracts; creeping spurge (E. myrsinites, 6-12” x 12-18”); Martin euphorbia (E. x martinii & cvs, 2-3’ x 2-3’) offers a more compact shrub form than Mediterranean spurge with brown-centered chartreuse flowers.

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well Drained
  • Foliage: Herbaceous
  • Leaf Color: Blue Green
  • Flower Color: GreenYellow
  • Blooming Season (s): Spring

Loropetalum chinese

Fringe Flower
Organization

Attractive, Chinese evergreen shrub with gently drooping branches and unusual flowers with thread-like petals in the spring. Commonly available either with green leaves and white flowers, or purple leaves and pink flowers. Well suited to understory locations with partial shade in hotter locations. Grows naturally as a shrub but may be available as a standard or espalier.

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full SunPartial Shade
  • Soil: Loam
  • Foliage: Evergreen
  • Leaf Color: Green
  • Flower Color: GreenWhite
  • Blooming Season (s): SpringSummer

Favorite Plants

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Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla and cvs.

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Azalea

Rhododendron spp.

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Lavender

Lavandula spp. and cvs.

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Bacopa

Sutera cordata

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ANYTHING purple!

Favorite Garden Suppliers

Hidden Forest Nursery

3970 Azalea Lane Sebastopol

Recommended Resources

Pinterest

For gardening ideas!

North Marin Water District

Great resource for saving water tips and rebates!

Water Smart Landscape Design Templates

The Partnership has developed 8 free, scalable, water-efficient, front-yard landscape design templates.

Gardening Tips

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Attend as many garden tours as possible for inspiration!