Pollinator Paradise
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Garden Features
Drought Tolerant
Edible Garden
California Natives
Drip Irrigation
Pesticide Free
Rainwater Harvesting System
Smart Irrigation Controller
Lawn Conversion
Lawn-Free Landscaping
Permeable Surfaces
Urban Homestead
Wildlife Habitat
Partner: Santa Rosa Water
What was once nearly 2,000 sq.ft. of lawn was transformed into a water wise pollinator’s paradise with meandering paths, raised beds, new trees, many flowering plants, cacti, edible landscaping (fruit trees, a bay leaf tree, blueberry and raspberry bushes, pomegranate tree) and new non-fruiting trees and bushes.
We needed to remove the existing lawn and then the adobe soil was augmented with a very good topsoil that was mounded to provide a good basis for the plants. Drain lines were installed from the downspouts and the rainwater is collected in underground “wells” that then leach out into the landscape. A new flagstone entryway was installed along with permeable flagstone and gravel pathways in both the front and side yards. The rear yard has a large water permeable gravel area that features a firepit seating area. Cafe lights were hung in the patio and over the backyard gravel entertaining area for illumination. A separate switch turns on a small fountain next to the seating area. The backdrop to the conversation area are two espaliered fruit trees, a 6-in-1 apple and a Meyer Lemon. Behind that is decorative fencing that doubles as the backdrop to the conversation pit area and the beginning of the chicken run.
The landscape features multiple seating/conversation areas, night lighting that provides dramatic illumination of the paths and garden features, and whimsical decorating touches. What was once a rather boring landscape is now an oasis that is inviting and welcoming to both human and wildlife residents and visitors (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, other birds, and an ocassional possum). The entire landscape is on a new drip system with four irrigation zones controlled by a smart irrigation timer.
The landscape was designed by Sawyer Landscapes and Susie Dowd Markarian.







Plants in this Garden
Favorite Plants
The Mexican Sage
Salvia - Violet Riot
Milkweed
Pacific Coast Iris
Helianthemum
Favorite Garden Suppliers
Prickett's Nursery
5875 Sonoma Highway Santa Rosa
Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery
3244 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol
Urban Tree Farm
3010 Fulton Road Fulton
Recommended Resources
Gardening Tips
If you're doing an overhaul or starting from scratch
I found it very useful to work with a landscape designer to get concept plans. I was clear that I wanted some natives and a place for pollinators and Susie really helped me design a beautiful space with a variety of plants that all work well together. Otherwise, it might have turned out willy nilly, which can be ok too. 🙂
Don't be afraid to jump in and get started!
If something dies or doesn’t work for the space it’s changeable. I had some of the original plants die and I planted new and different ones that I really loved in their place to get more of some I really liked and some different textures/colors.
If you have a kitchen garden (veggies)...
Research vertical gardening. You can really maximize your space by going “up” versus “out.” Learn about companion plantings too.