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Rubis Dr. Garden
Before...
We started with an outdated, water-repellant hardscaping and dried-up conventional lawns in both the front and back yards.
After...
Recycled urbanite and brick pathways and a unique style of water-permeable driveway highlight the new hardscaping elements of the front yard. In the yard's center, a mound was built using extra soil from the back yard. It is supported by a beautiful serpentine shaped, dry stack wall, accented by three John Dourley manzanita shrubs and summer blooming California goldenrod. The focal point of this area is a large, potted, exotic, bird of paradise plant--with a sentimental value to the homeowners. The plant was placed in a decorative, purple ceramic pot that is surrounded by creamy yarrow. The rest of the soil mound was planted with a leafy reed grass meadow, seaside daisy, rosy buckwheat and narrow leaved milkweed. Bee's bliss sage and Carmel Sur manzanita--dotted with annual wildflowers--edges the front urbanite pathway which borders a newly constructed porch before it connects to the back garden. The lower part of the front yard is punctuated with a valley oak that is underplanted with hummingbird sage, Pigeon Point coyote brush and California fuchsia. In the lower front corner of the yard, a mature liquidambar tree--saved from the old landscape--is accened by graceful, California fescue bunchgrasses. Dark Star ceanothus, coffeeberry and California fuchsia edges the left side of the driveway, while shrub monkeyflowers accent either side of the garage door.
In the back yard, the old concerte patio and walkways were recycled into an attractive, water-permeable urbanite hardscape. The retaining wall along the back fence was rebuilt, and it is decorated with toyon, Ray Hartman ceanothus, snowberry, Douglas iris and island alum rooth. The hearth of the back garden is planted with a meadow that includes dune sedge, a lawn alternative that does not need mowing. The edge of the meadow has been planted with colorful perennials: coyote mint, California buckwheat, yarrow, seaside daisy, foothill penstemon and blue-eyed grass which invite butterflies, pollinators and beneficial insects.
Closeup of the water-permeable hardscape. Summer, 2008
Leafy reed grass meadow with narrow-leaved milkweed. Copper fresh growth of the manzanita foliage is seen at the bottom edge. Spring, 2009
Closeup of potted bird of paradise surrounded by yarrow. Spring, 2009
California fuchsia brightens up the recycled brick pathway and invites hummingbirds during summer through fall. Summer, 2009
California goldenrod accents the front side of the serpentine wall. In the back, the leafy reed grass meadow and the potted bird of paradise. Summer, 2008
Closeup of the dry-stack wall with California goldenrod. Summer, 2008
Southwest view of the back yard with a colorful meadow in the center. The urbanite path leads to the patio on the left, while the goldfines path runs along the retaining/seating wall by the back fence. Summer, 2009
Opposite view of the garden with California wild grape trained on the side fence. Cubby, the family's playful dog, often keeps me company while I am gardening. Summer, 2009
Closeup of the central meadow. The creeping dune sedge, in the middle, makes an informal ground cover and a lawn alternative that does not need mowing. In the background, the arching flower stalks of the deer grass provide decoration. Summer, 2009