Along the entry driveway our clients already had a few beautiful citrus trees planted and wanted to further add to the edible plantings. We went for a sunny citrus hedge row using bush varieties so the vineyard view was not blocked from the cottage’s kitchen window. For all you Sonoma County backyard orchard enthusiasts, we selected Mandarins ‘Pixie and ‘Tango’’, Improved Meyer Lemon, and ‘Bearss Seedless’ Lime for their kitchen uses and low chill hours. A riot of colorful pollinator-friendly perennials are planted along the urbanite pathway leading from the back patio to the front meadow. The urbanite pathway is made of concrete removed during the demolition phase. We love the chance to reuse discarded material and save it from the landfill! We broke up the concrete into flagstone chunks, stained it to match the existing red brick chimney, and dry set it directly into the soil for a highly permeable, low cost pathway.

CA Native wildflower and grass seeds were sown to attract beneficial insects and birds, out-compete weeds, soak up stormwater, and build a seed bank. Plus, the meadow is viewable from the sun patio turned home office, complete with binoculars and bud vases full of fresh picked blooms. Tidy tips, Lupines, Baby Blue Eyes, Goldfields, Yarrow, Blue Eyed Grass, CA Poppies, Fescues, and Oatgrass create a tapestry of texture and life.