Bringing Back the Natives: 2026

Since 2020, the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour has been available in both in-person and online formats, in response to COVID. This year the tour returned to its original format—available only in person! This would be my first time to actually visit the beautiful gardens (up to now I've only seen them via Zoom or YouTube). I immediately thought of my Aunt Char, and invited her to experience several of the gardens with me. Bayside tours were available on Saturday, and Inland tours were available on Sunday.

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is back for 2026!

With 72 gardens featured on the tour, it is important to have a plan. I don't think it would be possible to visit them all over the two-day period! Luckily the Bringing Back the Natives team provides excellent resources for identifying your top priorities. Planning materials include garden descriptions, maps showing the location of gardens, a downloadable Google map with all the garden sites identified, and a matrix showing all the features for each garden and green home. Once you register, you receive the addresses for the garden. When putting together our custom tour, I selected several gardens in the Albany and El Cerrito area (Bayside). The gardens ranged from close to the coast to all the way up into the hills.

Native plants in full bloom

Dutchman's Pipevine with informative signage

Pipeline swallowtail caterpillar (black and orange)

The first gardens that we visited were close to the coast and rich with native plants that thrived in their environments. Many of the gardens posted laminated signs that identify the plant, provide habitat and host information, and often a QR code for obtaining more information. For example, we saw signs for Dutchman's Pipevine (Aristolochia californica), which indicated the vine is a host for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

Aunt Char studying the plants that surround a water feature

A water feature adds so much to the landscape

This yard has chickens!

Further up in the hills, we saw more native plants all with informative signage. One home had installed black-out shades that protect birds from flying into the windows.

The black-out shades mitigate birds from hitting the windows

Native plants growing in the yard ,with helpful signage

Monarch chrysalis hanging on a raised bed (what a beautiful color)!

After several gardens, Aunt Char and I retreated to Fat Apples in El Cerrito for refreshment. We each had a slice of olallieberry/raspberry pie topped with French vanilla ice cream and a big glass of water to restore our energy. We have enjoyed many garden visits together over the years (I think Filoli is our favorite), as well as excursions to the San Francisco Garden Show at the Cow Palace in Daly City and the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo. Neither of us are particularly good at gardening, but we are both passionate about seeing them!

Hillside garden with hardscape and paths

Shady hillside plantings provide a serene entry way

Landscape with a view (notice the Bushmallow shrub in front)

Once rejuvenated we headed higher up into the hills for our final garden stop. This property had commanding views of the bay, great hardscape and paths, and the most serene plantings outside the home's hillside entrance. We were quite taken with the Eastern Bewildering Bushmallow shrub with its lovely pink flowers and sage green foliage (note to self: find out where this native plant is sold).

Native plants live here!

Aunt Char and I had so much fun visiting gardens on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. We saw beautiful plants, innovative ways to handle challenging garden sites, and wonderful garden details. We learned a lot from this first experience visiting the gardens in person. We'll use that experience next year to visit other Bayside gardens, and expand our range out to the Inland gardens.

Salesforce Rooftop Garden Tour

Spent a wonderful day at the Salesforce Rooftop Garden in San Francisco! Mari and I took BART to Embarcadero Station, and then walked the short distance to the Transit Center. From Salesforce Plaza at Street Level, we could look up to Salesforce Park on the fourth floor, and the gondola perched at its upper terminus. We didn't realize it at the time, but behind the white lacy metal screen below the trees is the third floor Bus Deck of the Transit Center (click on the photo to enlarge it and see more detail). The buildings towered over us and provided contrast with the forest of trees and plants on the fourth floor.

View of the gondola and trees in Salesforce Park (floor 4),
from Salesforce Plaza (Street Level)

Winding trail around Salesforce Park

We checked the gondola schedule, hoping to catch a ride up to the Rooftop Level. It didn't seem to be running, so we rode the elevator up instead and explored briefly. At 10:00 AM we joined the monthly walking tour at the Main Plaza (there is also a monthly birding walk and many other health, dance, and musical events). Our tour guide and botanical expert, Ingrid, introduced us to the history and development of the Transit Center and the botanical garden. The garden design celebrates the Mediterranean climate and incorporates plants from all of the earth's five Mediterranean climate zones – Mediterranean Europe, central Chile, South Africa, Western Australia, and the California coast.

Transbay Transit Center Concept - the big picture (click to enlarge) 

Ingrid describes the Wollemi pine at
Salesforce Park (Wollemia nobillis) 

We were surprised to learn that the plants and trees are rooted in only five feet of soil. The roots receive ample water and spread out to anchor themselves, without the need to send down deep tap roots to find water. The soil supports a Redwood grove and many other tall trees. 

View of one of the skylights that help illuminate the Transit Center floor below

Mari snaps a shot of a Monkey Puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana)

The tree and plant collection is amazing. I was especially interested to see my first Wollemi pine specimen. It is one of those "fossil plants" from dinosaur days that was thought to be extinct, until a small grove was discovered near Sydney, Australia in 1994. I remember my Dad (a retired forester) sharing a newspaper article with me about the discovery. Another dinosaur plant (in terms of size) is the Gunnera, which is a tough plant with huge leaves that grows to an enormous size and then dies back during the dry season. (Note that its roots are high in tannins and used to create a black dye and to tan leather, hence the use of tinctoria in its scientific name).

Chilean Rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) 

Deep shade under the trees

After the tour we found a table in the shade, and ate our lunch with hiking buddy, Josephine, who joined us. It was fun to relax in such a beautiful environment, surrounded by trees and tall buildings, and catch up on all the news. After lunch, Mari and I sought out the gondola again. This time, we found it at the Street Level terminus below us, seemingly unattended with no intention of moving. We decided to pursue the gondola ride in another visit.

View of the gondola at Street Level
from the Park Level (floor 4)

Instead, we explored each floor of the Transit Center, marveling how beautiful and clean everything is, and filled with natural and diffused light. We studied a comprehensive poster showing all the bus, Muni, and train options available. I felt inspired to both learn the system and do more exploring using my Clipper Card; and to return to the garden to see its seasonal changes. This is a wonderful public garden and a destination worth exploring!

View of the Bus Deck Level (floor 3)

Bringing Back the Natives: 2025

The Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is back for 2025, and celebrating its 21st Anniversary! I recently attended the two-day online portion of the event, complete with a key note speaker, presentations on fascinating topics, and online garden tours. The online program makes the event available to those who cannot attend the in-person garden tours, including those located outside the Bay Area. One of these years, I'll attend the in-person tours, but in this season of life, I love the convenience of the online version. The in-person garden tours take place the first weekend in May. 

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is back for 2025!

Ecologist Doug Tallamy hosted an FAQ session for those looking to transform their yards into ecologically valuable gardens. He answered questions about creating habitat using the questions that he receives from his lectures and email. Many of these questions also appear in his new book, How Can I Help: Saving Nature with Your Yard. Tallamy is leading a grass roots effort across the United States, to convert our yards, containers, patios, and decks to habitat in a Homegrown National Park. You can learn more on the website, and can add your backyard to the virtual wildlife park across the nation.

 

Native gardens are beautiful and exciting (online screenshot)

The online garden tours visited landscapes in San Pablo, Richmond, Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. One presenter created a native habitat in the back yard of her rental, and described why the expense, work, and effort has been worth it, despite not owning the property. Benefits include viewing wildlife in an urban setting, relaxing in nature after a busy day, and growing a community of interested neighbors. Seasoned garden designer Lois Simonds of Gardening With Nature’s Design, provided a poetic description of her goals in a garden design.

A restoration project after three years (online screenshot)

The Skyline Gardens Restoration Project presentation was inspiring. A group of volunteers is working to do away with invasive species (such as European bunch grass) in the Oakland Hills. Invasive species have few natural enemies to combat them, and crowd out native species in the area. The three-year process involves weeding to do away with invasives, and promoting re-entry of California natives.  Volunteers donate 2-3 hours a week, and are rewarded with friendship and good snacks while they work, and a beautiful restored landscape in the end!

Sidewalk plantings provide habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and insects (online screenshot)

Aesthetic pruner, Leslie Buck, gave a demonstration of the three main cuts required to prune California native plants - thinning, heading, and tipping. For more information see her book, Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto, part how-to and part autobiographical.

Native garden at Woodside Library (photo by Kathy Kraemer (online screenshot)

I found out more information about Assembly Bill 1572 (AB-1572), which prohibits the use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf. This law will be phased in starting in 2026. AB-1572 will transform the California landscape, reduce water consumption, and provide more habitat for California native flora and fauna. Not to worry - turf used for golfing, playing teams sports, and group events is retained. Rebates are available.

Native gardens provide a respite (online screenshot)

Several presentations focused on making our landscapes more firesafe, which is very timely in light of recent fires in California and Maui. The key seems to be keeping a five foot "clear zone" around the perimeter of the house. I am inspired to look at the zone around our home to see what can be improved.

Making your home firesafe (online screenshot)

Several presentations focused on the need to plant California native plants for bees and insects. Food is important, but so is shelter, and the habitat needed for reproductive cycles. When planting a garden, plan for a year-round banquet for generalist and specific feeders. California is home to about 6000 plant species from which to choose.

Bees gather together (online screenshot)

These are just a few of the highlights from the two-day online event. Check the Bringing Back the Natives website for more information about the 2025 online and in-person topics, speakers, garden tours, and resources. It is clear that Doug Tallamy has had an impact on gardeners and landscapers in the Bay Area. Many of the presenters brought up his influence on their designs and decisions, including use of keystone species and native plants. The concepts apply to gardens in any climate and location in the United States - go native!

Bringing Back the Natives: 2024

I recently attended the online version of the Bringing Back The Natives Garden Tour, which spanned a weekend in early April. As in previous years, Green Home Features Showcase tours were interwoven throughout the presentations. The in-person tours take place in early May, so sign up soon! One of these years, I'll attend the in-person garden tours, but in this season of life, I love the convenience of the online version. 

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is back!

Doug Tallamy kicked of the event with his talk, "What's the Rush? The Solution to the Biodiversity Crisis". His presentation is a wonderful distillation of the research and ideas he has been developing during his career, and provides a simple solution, in which all of us can participate. We can use our yards, containers, patios, and decks to provide habitat for nature, in a Homegrown National Park. You can hear the presentation on the website.

Celebrating 20 years of Bringing Back the Natives 

Kathy Kramer, tour coordinator, gave a wonderful retrospective on the origin and evolution of "Bringing Back the Natives" in the Bay Area over the last 20 years. She has received numerous awards for her work, and has influenced many gardeners and landscapers to replace their water-thirsty lawns, and to plant drought-tolerant native plants.

Fountains attract many birds

Do-it-yourself bird bath - attaches to the irrigation system

Rocks, gravel, and mud provide a moist and protected spot for butterflies and bees

Providing habitat for birds and butterflies was a recurring theme during both days of the tour. I took note of a few interesting details that could be easily integrated with our landscape renovation. I had never heard of "catios" before (enclosed outdoor patios for cats). They are a great solution for protecting cats in the outdoors (and protecting birds from cats)!

Owl roost

An outdoor "catio"

Finally, I loved the presentations on native plants, street trees, native plant sources in the Bay Area, and year-round color in the landscape using native, drought-tolerant plants. Doug Tallamy has definitely had an impact on gardeners and landscapers in the Bay Area. Many of the presenters brought up his influence on their designs and decisions, including use of keystone species and native plants. There was some discussion about how to handle "pests" in the garden, such as deer and gophers, but a growing consensus seems to be to that gardens aren't just meant to be pretty, but to provide habitat for nature (with many opinions on that continuum).

Summer Heat at Filoli

Over the last decade, my Aunt Char and I have visited Filoli in Woodside, California in all four seasons and at Christmas. The gardens, grounds, and home are always beautiful, stately and inspiring, and there is always something new to see. We recently visited Filoli in the midst of a summer heat spell to celebrate Aunt Char's birthday. As an added treat, my cousin Chris (of Glam Camper fame), and his wonderful wife, Nancy, were in town and joined us on the expedition. On the day we visited, staff and volunteers were preparing for an evening fundraising gala, so we caught glimpses of the preparation throughout our visit.

Grand entrance with begonia containers and party preparations

Ready for our house and garden tour

The temperature hovered in the low nineties, so we were in shade-seeking mode throughout our visit. We lingered within the house for our self-guided tour and enjoyed the decorating changes since our last visit to Filoli for the holidays in 2019, and the beautiful floral arrangements from the gardens. Chris and Nancy pointed out some interesting details about the unique woodwork that appears throughout the house. We also appreciated the cooler temperature and relief from the midday sun. 

A shady spot close to the house

Enjoying the architecture from a shady bench

The grounds were beautiful in layered shades and textures of green. Begonias, coneflowers, and hydrangeas were blooming in full force when we visited, and the dahlias were just ramping up.

Sunken Garden

Garden House

Shady terrace with begonias in containers

The Garden House is one of my favorite buildings. It would be the perfect space to savor my morning coffee and read the newspaper and periodically enjoy the landscape through the arched windows. For our visit, we enjoyed a break from the sun and the beautiful views of the garden.

Garden House is a favorite place

A shady respite in Garden House

By the time we  toured the Cutting, Vegetable, and Production Gardens, the sun was not as high in the sky and a marine breeze was stirring. Resting in the shade to survey the beauty was still part of our strategy.

View of the Wedding Terrace

Hydrangeas of all colors

The hydrangeas were so beautiful and colorful! The flower color is partially determined by the soil's pH (acidic soil yields blue or lavender, and alkaline soil yields pinks and reds). The gardeners must modify the soil to produce such a variety of color. (We had time to ponder this on the shady path). 

Black-eyed Susan flowers

View towards Crystal Springs Reservoir from the High Place

My husband, Rick, joined us at Fentons Creamery and Restaurant for dinner and ice cream creations, and conversation about our visit to the garden. The atmosphere at Fentons was very festive that night, with lots of birthday celebrations (we fit right in with Aunt Char's birthday). Later we regrouped at our home for conversation in the cool of the evening. What a great day, filled with beauty and wonderful people!