Glassell Park l

Dramatic transformation of a totally unused front yard with a mature Loquat tree into a lush habitat-rich garden with shady seating to relax and enjoy nature. The overhaul was part of a turf rebate program, and a swale was created to capture and sink storm water runoff.

A hugelkultur mound with logs and boulders was added to sequester carbon and create beneficial mycelial soil conditions. Native and drought tolerant plants were used throughout, including some Mediterranean favorites (an Olive tree, Caper bush, Lavender, Germander, Santolina) to honor the client’s Greek heritage.

Natives include many keystone species of Buckwheat, Sage, Ceanothus, Manzanita, Coyote Brush, and grasses that support hundreds of native caterpillar, insect, and bird species. New stairs, stucco, paint, a flagstone path, lighting, irrigation, a seating log, and a stone creek and boulder crossing were added.