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.

Landscaping: Two Year Report

 We are celebrating the second anniversary of our “new” landscape! It’s a good time to take stock and see how the garden is progressing. Rebecca Kolls of Rebecca’s Garden says that in the first year perennials sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap. In this post I’m providing a two-year report, comparing progress against Landscaping: One Year Report; Landscaping: Six Month Report; and Landscaping: Finished. Time flies!

Path to the rock garden (Bobo the Husky in the shade to the far right)

The landscape was designed as a wildlife garden with keystone plants for food and shelter, inspired by Doug Tallamy’s work to promote personal landscapes that provide wildlife habitat. The Bird Buddy bird feeder (with camera), hummingbird feeder in the side yard, and terracotta bird bath provide for our avian visitors. The native plants and grasses provide food and habitat for birds, squirrels, and insects. The mighty oak provides deep shade for plants, animals, and people.

Path under the oak canopy

We have become more familiar with the plants, weeds, shrubs and trees in the landscape, and have developed a monthly maintenance schedule for its care. Our professional landscape maintenance team comes once a month and contributes experience, labor, and knowledge to landscape maintenance. Some of the annuals that were planted as succession plants have died off or come back with fewer plants. I could scatter some annual or perennial seed mix, but honestly, I’m enjoying the more “edited” look with fewer plants. That may change, because I do miss the bursts of annual color scattered about the yard.

We’ve lost some plants, which is to be expected. We planted a few replacement plants in November, taking advantage of the winter rains to help get the roots established. Most of the plants are happy in the place they have been planted. The garden is fairly low maintenance (once you know what is required), but weeding is definitely needed.

Path to the lower yard

After reviewing the new landscape, I am satisfied with the progress made over the last year. Most of the original plants are still alive and thriving (coming to the end of the “creep” phase). So far our only change has been to plant two Japanese maple trees in planters. They are thriving and have benefited from aesthetic pruning from our landscaping maintenance team. I’m looking forward to observing as the perennials move into the “leap” stage of their development in the new garden!

Plant Hunters: Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott

Another plant hunter - this time collecting plants of the sea! This report is about ethnobotanist Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott (1919 - 2010), affectionately nicknamed "First Lady of Limu". Limu is the Polynesian term for edible plants living underwater, such as seaweed, or plants living near the water, like algae. Isabella's love of botany, including limu, started when she was a child, learning at her mother's side. I first learned about Isabella through an article on women botanists of California that was published by the East Bay Regional Parks (unfortunately, the link is no longer active). Regardless, the article captured my attention about her life and work, and I wanted to know more.  

Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott
(photo is in the public domain)

Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona (a.k.a., "Izzie") was born in Hāna on Maui, Hawaii to a Chinese father and Kanaka Maoli mother. Her father had come to Hawaii to work on a plantation, and then opened a general store once he had completed his contract. The family moved to Honolulu for educational opportunities, but returned to Maui during summer vacations. They stayed with her maternal grandmother and spent time at the beach, where her mother taught Izzie and her brother the names of edible limu and their uses.

Maui coast and limu-covered rocks at low tide
(photo by Starr Environmental, Creative Commons)

Isabella graduated from Kamehameha School for Girls, and then earned a bachelor’s degree in botany at University of Hawaii Mānoa in 1941. While at the University, she met zoology major, Donald P. Abbott, and they married in 1943. Isabell earned a master’s degree in botany from the University of Michigan in 1942; and a doctorate in algal taxonomy from the University of California, Berkeley in 1950. She was the first Kanaka Maoli woman to receive a Ph.D. in science.

Dr. Donald P. Abbott became a zoologist at Stanford University, and the couple made California their home. In 1960 Isabella began teaching at Hopkins Marine Station at Stanford (the first Kanaka Maoli faculty member at Stanford), and in 1972 she became a full professor in Stanford University’s biology department. She published her book Marine Algae of California in 1976 with George J. Hollenberg (earning her the nickname of "First Lady of Limu").

Dr. Abbott collecting limu
(photo source unknown; possibly Celia M. Smith, Stanford)

After retiring from Stanford in 1982, the Abbotts returned to Hawaii where Isabella began teaching botany at University of Hawaii. She later taught Hawaiian ethnobotany at the University, incorporating what she had learned about traditional Hawaiian foods and the Hawaiian language from her mother. She worked to create an ethnobotany major to help advance Hawaiian knowledge. Her efforts contributed to the Hawaiian Renaissance that had started in the 1970s.

Dr. Abbott describes edible limu species (screen shot from
An Introduction to Ethnobotany, ~marker 5:07) 

During the course of her career Isabella studied and cataloged limu, coral reefs, and medical plants. She wrote over 150 articles and eight books, and discovered over 200 species of limu. She was know as a warm person and wonderful cook, often experimenting with culinary uses of limu (including a seaweed cake that was featured in Gourmet magazine in 1987). She collected oral histories and combed through archival material to understand Kanaka Maoli culture and cuisine, and published her book Lāʻau Hawai‘i: Traditional Hawaiian Uses of Plants in 1992. I recommend watching several of the YouTube videos listed below, to experience this pioneering ethnobotanist.

Learn More

• Edible Limu...Gifts from the Sea (https://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/publications/ediblelimu/index.htm). Poster based upon the book Limu: An Ethnobotanical Study of Some Hawaiian Seaweeds, by I.A. Abbott. National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai, Hawaii, 1984. Useful visual presentation of important Hawaiian seaweed species.

• Ethnobotany of Limu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeWi1PlaaLI). 73rdStProductions, "Introduction to Ethnobotany" series, Video 14, May 17, 2012. Presented by Isabella Aiona Abbott. This episode discusses some of the species of algae that are eaten in Hawaii, and the life experiences of Isabella Abbott as a native Hawaiian scientist.

• Isabella Abbott. Wikipedia article on Dr. I.A. Abbott (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Abbott). Good summary of Dr. Abbott's life and career, with a comprehensive list of publications.

• Isabella Aiona Abbott. Long Story Short, interview with Leslie Wilcox (https://youtu.be/4qvIXFS5k-k). PBS Hawaii, 2017 (original air date 2008). This interview really captures Dr. I.A. Abbott's personality and presence, as well as her accomplishments.

• Isabella Aiona Abbott - Seaweed Lady, by Heather Irvine, Medical Plants Educator (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/isabella-aiona-abbott-seaweed-lady-heather-irvine/). Linked In, March 29, 2023. This article provides an interesting biography of Dr. I.A. Abbott.

• Lāʻau Hawai‘i: Traditional Hawaiian Uses of Plants, by Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott (https://bishopmuseumpress.org/products/laau-hawaii). Bishop Museum Honolulu, 1992. This book provides a detailed description of the Polynesian canoe and Hawaiian native plants that are important for Hawaiian culture.

• Limu: An Ethnobotanical Study of Some Hawaiian Seaweeds, by Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott (https://www.nativebookshawaii.org/products/limu-an-ethnobotanical-study-of-some-hawaiian-seaweeds). National Tropical Botanical Garden, 1984. This book describes fourteen species of limu that are food sources for Hawaiians.

• Pioneering Professor is First Lady of Limu, by Jennifer Crites (https://www.hawaii.edu/malamalama/2010/10/isabella-abbott/). Malamalama: The Light of Knowledge: The magazine of the University of Hawaii, October 21, 2010. This article provides a biography of Dr. I.A. Abbott and her career.

• Seaweed Wiz, by Louis Bergeron (https://stanfordmag.org/contents/seaweed-wiz). Stanford Magazine, March/April 2011. This article provides a brief biography of "Izzie" Abbott.

More Fond Memories of Alaska

I have a few more wonderful memories from my recent trip to Juneau, Alaska, this time in the realm of flora and fauna. To start, it was such a thrill to watch a black bear forage for greens on the side of the road. He was probably fresh from hibernation and very hungry (dandelions seemed to be his favorite). 

Black bear out near Eagle River area

It was also fascinating to see the engineering work of the beavers near Mendenhall Glacier. The beavers dam a waterway, which floods the land and creates a pond and a new home for the beaver family. The dead trees are a little unsightly, but they are used by the beavers and help create an ecosystem for other critters. Nothing goes to waste. 

Beaver dam near Mendenhall Glacier

Birds are abundant in Southeast Alaska (a good pair of binoculars should always be in the car or the back pack). I reported on the birds we spotted on the Audubon cruise. Here are a few more avian species that I saw while out and about (the quality isn't great, so I'm obviously challenged when photographing birds with my cell phone)!

An unkindness of ravens near the landfill

Clockwise from top left: Red-breasted sapsucker, eagle in the tree top, eagle in flight, and a single raven on an old snag

Trees are abundant in Southeast Alaska, and especially green and lush in the Juneau area due to so much rain. My dad worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a research scientist, specializing in Sitka spruce and other native trees. Our family hikes were filled with interesting information about trees, shrubs, and the ecosystems that supported them. Dad's enthusiasm was contagious, and I credit my interest in plants to those family hikes.

Spruce tree on one of the islands in the wetlands

My brother Dave also shared interesting information about plants, wildlife, and the terrain as we hiked and roamed during my visit. In addition, my childhood friend Ulla showed me some of the trees that were dislodged, when the Mendenhall River flooded with water that had built up behind Mendenhall Glacier (a jökulhlaup).

Emerging spruce tips (bright green) and cones (red)

Trees dislodged by a jökulhlaup

The flowers were emerging very slowly during my six-week visit, probably due to the long cool spring. Luckily the hardy dandelions were everywhere, just in time for hungry bears and deer. I know from my trip last year (June-September 2024) that many more native and exotic plants will bloom this summer: Alaskan roses, astilbe, buttercup, fireweed, forget-me-not, foxglove, garden loosestrife, iris, ladies' mantle, orange hawkweed, peonies, Shasta daisy, thistle, and more!

Clockwise from top left: salmonberry blossom, shooting stars, lupines, and dandelions

Finally, I'm always on the lookout for interesting moss, lichen and algae! I was not disappointed. I found specimens near the glacier, on the beach, in the forest, on the wetlands, and in my parent's yard. I collected a few samples that might be good candidates for dye sources, with the right mordants, additives, and fixatives.

Clockwise from top left: lichens on a rock outcrop, detail of a lichen, algae, a colony of algae, lichen on the ground, lichen hanging from a tree

That wraps it up. I really enjoyed spending six weeks in Alaska with family and friends, watching spring unfold, and enjoying community life. I love the grand and small beauty, and love all the rain. It's also good to be back in my home and garden, with family and friends and our garden!

Fond Memories of Alaska

I've been home for about a month now, after my six-week trip to Alaska to visit my mom, dad, and brother. It's always nice to get back to your own home and garden, but I have so many wonderful memories of my time in Juneau, Alaska. I enjoyed being in nature, watching the slow spring emerge, spending time with my family, participating in activities, enjoying the spirit of the place, and renewing childhood friendships. Here are a few shots from my visit.

Chilkat Mountain Range

I'm continually captivated by the Chilkat Mountain Range, which is visible from my folks' front porch, from Douglas Island, out the road, and from the sea. The mountain range seemed especially big and grand and magical this year, possibly because the tops were still snow covered. The mountains are almost shape shifters, changing their appearance when seen from different vantage points and in different weather conditions.

Chilkat Range from Caroline's Point

Chilkat Range from Sunshine Cove

It is always a treat to hang out with Alaskans. They are a can-do, hardy lot, and passionate about the outdoors. If the sun comes out, they drop everything to get out in it. (And really, if it's raining they are probably out in it anyway and enjoying themselves)! I had so many wonderful outings with my brother and mom, and enjoyed reconnecting with several childhood chums. 

Hiking on the wetlands with brother Dave

Hiking and birding with Ulla and friends

Photographing lichen with Dave

Childhood chum, Ulla, and I holding the cakes

Alaskans also appreciate the arts and culture, and support both outside and local talent. During the visit, we took in events at the Jazz and Classics Festival, TrollFest, Mother's Day at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, a couple of True Crime talks by local reporters, piano performances at the Pioneer Home, and an Audubon cruise. These events are often followed by a meal at a favorite restaurant, with lots of conversation and opinions.

Tom Locher on piano at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum

Bear claw - indigenous art on native land

TJ on Piano is a big hit at the Pioneer Home

It was also a treat to be back in my childhood home, which Mom and Dad built over the years as the family grew and we needed more room. The house is snug and comfortable, and filled with wonderful history, memories, and craftsmanship.

My childhood home (with spring grass just starting to grow)

Dad has the best workshop

The view from my old room

Finally, there is that view of the Chilkat Mountain Range from my folks' place. The view changes continually with the weather, the seasons, and the time of day, so it never gets old.

View of the Chilkats

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!