This unique garden is an example of how even an urban yard can be transformed into thriving biodiverse native habitat. The yards were previously standard non-native ornamental landscapes that didn’t support local wildlife that depend on California native plants. The project, designed and implemented by West Coast Wild Ecological Restoration, reimagined the front, side, and backyards, replacing more water-intensive ornamental plants with locally sourced, drought-tolerant native species adapted to our region’s climate and providing habitat and food sources for a diversity of insects and wildlife.
The restoration design emphasized plant diversity and minimal outside inputs and management. No soil amendments or fertilizers were used; instead, the garden relied on the inherent strength of native plants. During the first year, plants were hand-watered which both replicated deep infrequent watering preferred by native plants, as well as fostered a connection between the owner and the plants. The garden showcases a remarkable diversity with over 60 different native plant species in a variety of microhabitats that range from full sun to full shade. A few original non-native trees and shrubs were preserved to provide vertical structure and maintain habitat diversity. Bird feeders, baths and houses are installed throughout the yards to further support local bird species. A lawn-free design significantly reduces water consumption, while a small stone bioswale captures stormwater, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater. The owner has also installed a full rainwater harvesting system for the house that collects rainfall for reuse, further minimizing reliance on municipal water. This pesticide-free sanctuary not only supports pollinators, birds, and other wildlife but also demonstrates how thoughtful landscaping can contribute to broader ecological health. Whether you’re drawn to its colorful blooms, the gentle hum of pollinators, or the ingenuity of its design, this garden inspires a harmonious relationship between people, plants, and place.
Yarrows are easy to grow, low-growing, spreading herbaceous perennials with finely divided aromatic leaves that inhabit many temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere, including California. Abundant flowers rise above the foliage in spring and well into summer and provide an important nectar source for pollinators and insects. Yarrow can help to stabilize slopes and is a good addition to the upper level of rain gardens and swales. It is also a good groundcover plant for lawn replacement and creating native meadows. Colors include white, yellow, pink, and red.
California native species & cultivars: A. millefolium (common yarrow), A. m. ‘Calistoga’, A. m. ‘Island Pink’, A. m. ‘Sonoma Coast’, A. m. ‘Terracotta’.
Other yarrows: A. filipendulina (fern leaf yarrow), A. f. ‘Coronation Gold’, A. ‘Moonshine’, A. tomentosa (woolly yarrow).
Manzanitas vary from carpet-forming groundcovers to small trees. Manzanitas have varying shades of striking, reddish brown bark and can provide structure to a garden. These plants have evergreen foliage, small white-to-pink, urn-shaped blossoms in late winter to early spring, and then small fruits that resemble tiny apples.
Groundcovers: A. ‘Emerald Carpet’ (1’ x 3-6’), A. ‘Pacific Mist’ (2-3’ x 6-8’), A. nummularia ‘Bear Belly’ (1’ x 3’), A. uva ursi ‘Radiant’ (6” x 4-6’), A. uva ursi ‘Wood’s Compct’ (1’ x 3’).
Shrubs: A. ‘Howard McMinn’ (5-7’ x 6-10’), A. ‘John Dourly’ (3-4’ x 5-6’), A. ‘Lester Rowntree’ (8-10’ x 10-15’), A. ‘Sunset‘ (5-7’), A. bakeri ‘Louis Edmunds’ (8-10’), A. manzanita ‘Sentinel’ (6-8’ x 5’), A. hookeri ‘Wayside’ (3′ x 8′).
Large group of grass-like, clumping plants with low or moderate water needs that are native to many parts of the world and offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and foliage characteristics. Some sedges are ideal for use in rain gardens and swales, for stabilizing slopes, as a mass groundcover, or as part of a meadow planting. Two low-water examples that prefer some shade are Catlin sedge (C. texensis, 4-6” x 6-8”), a small, mat-like sedge native to central and southwestern North America, and Berkeley sedge (C. tumulicola, 1-2’ x 1-2’), a larger species native to western North America that tends to self-sow. Other species require more water and may be less suited to dry inland conditions.
Group of California native succulents with a characteristic rosette shape and chalky appearance that grow on rocky outcroppings and coastal cliffs. Provide these plants with good drainage and afternoon shade in hotter areas. Larger forms can provide a striking accent plant in summer-dry gardens. Plant Dudleyas at a slight angle to help water drain away.
Examples: Giant Chalk Dudleya (D. brittonii, 12-18”), Coast Dudleya (D. caespitosa, up to 8”), Bluff Lettuce (D. farinosa, 4”, forms small colonies), Chalk Liveforever (D. pulverulenta, up to 2’).
Penstemons are a large group of woody or herbaceous perennials with narrow leaves and tubular flowers. Foothill penstemon is a widely known and grown California native with iridescent purple-blue flowers during spring and early summer that are attractive to hummingbirds. The cultivar known as ‘Margarita BOP’ is widely available, reliable, and garden- tolerant. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage more flowers.
Popular group of annuals, perennials, and shrubs with distinctive divided leaves that are common throughout the western United States, including California. Pea-like flowers are displayed on spikes and are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Most native lupines are purple-flowered, while some are yellow. Provide full sun and good drainage and watch out for slugs and snails.
Examples: Silver bush lupine (L. albifrons, 3-4’ x 3-4’), coastal bush lupine (L. arboreus) available with either blue or yellow flowers, and blue-and-white lupine (L. bicolor) a low-growing, annual wildflower.
BlueBarrel Rainwater Catchment Systems is your one-stop shop for do-it-yourself (DIY) rainwater harvesting, and also gravity-fed drip irrigation. They provide the tools, materials, and know-how you need to build your own rainwater catchment system.
