After a few missed years, we were back on the APRIL 1 CNPS garden tour!
Location: 16, Hurd, Dana Point
We started converting a typical Southern California suburban lawn to a native “habitat” in 1996.
We were not popular, particularly with real estate agents selling in the neighborhood. In fact, we came to expect threats from the city regarding our “noxious weeds” every time the house next door was up for sale. In 1999 we had to consult a lawyer since the city of Dana Point had threatened to take us to court to enforce their “lawn laws.”
With the help of Tree of Life Nursery gurus Jeff and Mike, we recreated a natural environment from the sterile (even toxic) American Lawn. We selected only locally typical plants, with just one or two rarities for fun.
On the practical side, we have not watered, used fertilizers, or pesticides for nearly 25 years. Even better we have many species of birds and reptiles as well as butterflies and other beneficial insects that successfully breed in this tiny yard.
