So many gardens, so little time! I've been thoroughly enjoying visits to many East Bay gardens, via Bringing Back the Natives virtual garden tours. For the second year in a row, the annual event is being hosted over Zoom and YouTube. I'm amazed at the creativity with which people have shared their gardens. See Bringing Back the Natives: 2021 Kickoff for the basics.
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| Former lawn, now planted in natives |
The gardens are beautiful - some are very small, others are like parks. Most try to work within the framework of microclimates, low water usage, and native plants. In many of the tours you can hear and see evidence of the birds, bees, and wildlife that are attracted to the gardens.
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| Water element attracts birds and wildlife |
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| A meadow of drought tolerant native plants |
I've especially enjoyed the emphasis on native plants that attract butterflies, moths, and birds. Several plant lists are posted on the Douglas Tallamy Resources web page, and the Gardening Info web page. The plant lists are a great resource for finding the right plants for your garden. Most plants are available in native plant nurseries in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some presenters noted that even a few local "box stores" provide native plants in a limited way. It's a start!
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| Ground covers as an alternative to lawn |
It's not too late to sign up for the 2021 garden tours. The last event is scheduled for Sunday, May 23, from 10:00 - 3:00. To learn more about registration, the speakers, and the tour schedule for Sunday, see Agenda & Welcome. To see a list of garden tours by city (especially useful if you are interested in your microclimate), see the 2021 Gardens page. The virtual tours are free, but donations are appreciated. Hope to "see" you online!
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