Yarrow |
Culinary Sage |
California Fuchsia |
These designs are simple concepts to provide inspiration and ideas. Check with local nurseries, landscapers or other sustainable garden designers to help choose the best plants for your yard.
For general installation, understanding of sustainable gardens, and other details, read the factsheets in the Green Gardens Healthy Creeks series. Each of those factsheets provides in depth information to guide homeowners through the process of installing sustainable gardens.
This small front yard focuses on reducing storm water runoff into local creeks, capturing pollutants before they flow into the San Francisco Bay. Instead, the water is allowed to percolate naturally into the soil, recharging groundwater and deep watering the plants in the garden. The three downspouts have been tied into the dry creek bed, keeping water away from the foundation of the house while still keeping it onsite. Beneath the dry creek is a percolation pit filled with drain rock to accommodate larger amounts of water. This is especially important in clay soils where water takes longer to soak into the ground. Soil berms in the yard direct surface water into the creek while also providing aesthetic interest in the garden and improved drainage for plants. Brick pavers on the walkway, set in sand, also allow water to percolate into the soil below instead of draining off the property. This garden meets the requirements of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Landscape Rebate Program.
Large swaths of California native plants frame the dry creek. Low growing Dwarf Coyote Bush (BP) provides year round greenery while a mixture of White and Terra Cotta Yarrow (illustrated together as AM), inter-seeded with native wildflowers adds a splash of color. The mature size of the plants are given in the plant list. Be sure to keep enough room between plants to allow them to grow without pruning.
Needs full sun, as in south facing garden.
All of the plants in this garden have low to very low watering needs. Use tree tubes and bubblers to deep water trees.