Inspired by Nothing but Natives garden tours, we ditched thirsty lawns but were challenged by heavy clay, standing water and deep shade. A no mow blend of Native Fescues and Grasses that grow well under Oaks replaced weedy lawns. Native perennials and annuals border gathering spots and bioswales while adding pops of color.
Healthy Soil:
Solarization was needed to kill invasive privet, duckweed and gopher spurge that had taken over the site. This was followed by tilling and removing roots. Once the soil recovered, sheet mulching cardboard was topped with 8″ to 1.5′ mix of organic decomposed redwood mulch, organic compost and grit; all locally sourced within 5 miles. Within a year, healthy mycorrhizae colonized the soil mounds and a careful selection of seeds and plants ensured the right plant grew in the right spot.
Planting:
The No Mow meadow mix was seeded with a blend of summer flowering annuals such as poppies. Locally endemic plants like Ribes sanguineum, Ribes aureum aureum, and Arbutus x Marina were sprinkled through gaps in the shrubby borders. In the front yard, native perennials including straight species and cultivars of Penstemon, Monkey Flowers, Chuparosa, Ribes, California fuschia, Hummingbird Sage, etc., along with endemic annuals like Clarkias, Brodiaea, Poppies, Wallflowers and more provide a bright understory most of the year. These were planted & seeded alongside a stormwater swale to mimic how they grow at nearby Mt. Diablo or Briones parks. (Previous non-native bulbs still blossom in spring, however invasives like dusty miller or heavenly bamboo were removed.)
Stormwater Management:
Previously water would sit at the foundation during storms due to improper drainage. Gravel in paths and over storm swales direct stormwater to an existing drain seep, bioswales or a dry creek in front. A waterproof barrier between an existing redwood deck provided a seamless transition to the grassy meadow which was regraded correctly. A stormwater seep doubles as an outdoor gathering spot around a mobile fire pit. (This was sited to avoid any embers directly under tree canopies.)
In the front yard, greywater was routed to a bioswale as the ongoing source of water, although initially irrigation was utilized during establishment. In the rear yard, care was taken to reroute existing irrigation away from the dripline of a heritage 50′ Valley Oak.
Greywater video showing how laundry water can be used in native gardens. Drip was installed for establishment and left in place in case of extreme conditions.
In cases of restoration or native seeding, Uni takes a personal approach of mixing and hand applying the seed blends as well as directly placing each plant in most installations.