11430 Kingsland St

This garden has evolved over many years and, like an archaeological dig, contains many layers. Camellias planted when this 1948 house was new still bloom profusely. 

The garden's evolution reflects the evolution of the owners' knowledge of and commitment to sustainable landscaping. Their green journey began in 2002 with the garden's first ever landscape design (by Linda Endler). This effort removed the lawn, added many trees and defined the basic shape of the garden with DG and broken concrete pathways. 

When the front yard ground cover failed, the owners spread redwood chips instead and turned off some sprinkler heads. In March, 2010, Gary Kamisher of Gary's Greenery installed drip irrigation, planted the "lawn" area and updated the parkways, using many of his favorite Australian and California natives as well as other eco friendly plants. Old mingled with new in a wonderful mélange. Unfortunately, landscape cloth was introduced to part of the front yard, a choice the owners would not make today.

In 2012 the homeowners added four raised beds for edibles, bringing the total to six beds and 140 square feet. 

In 2014, Darla Murray Design did a major garden refresh. The owners presented Darla with the following goals: make the garden more drought tolerant, favoring California native plants, and easier to maintain; tame the parkways; reduce overcrowding. The result is stunning! 

Darla added many new California natives and enhanced the walkways. Some plants were relocated; others found new homes in other people's gardens. The owners especially love the addition of a dry stream bed. The owners are still adding plants here and there - landscapes are never finished! - but don't anticipate any more major landscape projects.

The garden's many trees provide habitat for a variety of birds. Retaining that habitat was a primary objective of the last tree running and there seem to be even more birds - including a hummingbird nest in a mayan tree. The hummingbirds especially like to feast on the various sage flowers and the bottle brush.

A huge, beautiful Brazilian pepper tree shades the house and front yard. A volunteer, it was moved to its present location around 1980. The owners were surprised to learn recently that it's considered an invasive plant! Thankfully, they haven't seen any others growing nearby.

A weather-based irrigation controller determines how often and how long to water. The rain barrel, the bucket of water collected while the shower warms, and water used to wash produce provide a little extra water where needed.