Diversely planted islands of native and drought-adapted plants float within a gravel garden in Orinda, creating a mosaic of seasonal color. Formerly a lawn, this space is inspired by the botanically rich gravel gardens of England, inviting guests and pollinators alike to come explore.
Erigeron karvinskianus & Nepeta 'Walker's Low' mingle effortlessly.
Verbascum 'Arctic Summer' gives rhythm to the layers as you walk through the garden.
The key to healthy plants starts underground. The planting area's soil was deeply amended to allow for good drainage and soil structure.
Above ground, there's a seamless transition between path and planting without distinct boundaries. As plants grow and groundcovers fill in, paths will become a meandering tour through the sensorial garden drifts.
That's us! We are out here!
The final late spring bloom of Eschscholzia californica 'Alba', one of our favorite California poppy varieties.
Digitalis 'Dalmatian Peach' with Bouteloua 'Blonde Ambition'
This project qualified for East Bay Municipal Utility District's lawn conversion rebate, an ongoing program to reduce water usage for more sustainable landscapes.