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Sunnyvale Teaching & Demonstration Garden on Charles Street
The design and installation of these 2 native pollinator beds were a joint effort with fellow master gardener, DJ Deprospero. During summer, 2006, (prior to being accepted into the Master Gardener Program) we've designed the beds, and later that fall we've planted them. The purpose of this project is to teach and demonstrate to the public how native shrubs, perennials and wildflowers can be effectively used to invite beneficial insects to the garden, as part of an integrated pest management program (IPM). Urbanite (recycled concrete) provides a sustainable material for the beds' edges. Both beds have interpretive signs, created by DJ and her husband.
The 1st bed includes yarrow, Sierra Point ceanothus, hummingbird sage, coyote mint, California buckwheat, gum plant, California poppies and sky lupine. A miniature, purple needlegrass meadow is located at the right side of the bed. In spring, elegant clarkia, California poppies, chinese houses and paper onion bloom among the grasses. Meadow sedge is featured at the left side, between round stepping stones.
The 2nd bed features a Louis Emonds manzanita, sticky monkeyflower, california aster, Pigeon Point coyote brush, hummingbird fuchsia, a California evening primrose and sky lupine. A miniature Idaho fescue meadow is located at the right side of the bed. In spring, California poppies and elegant clarkia mingle between the grasses. Red fescue edges the front of the bed.
Coyote mint, gum plant and yarrow in bloom.
Close up of gum plant.
A bee enjoys the coyote mint nectar.
California aster has been blooming since late spring, 2007.
California buckwheat mingles with gum plant and lure insects with their rich nectar.
Yarrow is one of the favorites of the ladybird beetles!
California poppies, yarrow and elegant clarkia bloom in spring, 2007.
Hummingbird sage (center) and gum plant are getting established, while yarrow and the annuals provide color.
Purple needlegrass meadow with California poppies, elegant clarkia and paper onion. Oops! my head is in the picture.
Chinese houses going to seed in front of the young manzanita. Red fescue edges the front side of the bed.
Gray-green California aster, sticky monkeyflower and dwarf coyote brush are getting established on this side of the bed.
Blue flowered globe gilia blooms in front of California aster.
'Tomales Bay' fescue grass clumps mingle with California poppies.
In this raised vegetable bed, I am demonstrating organic vegetable gardening, using only plant-based products. Garden compost and coffee grounds were used to amend the soil, and the plants are fertilized with liquid kelp and alfalfa meal.
Sky lupine invites bumble bees in the pollinator bed in ealy spring.