Rain Garden

A low-lying tapestry of colorful, water-conserving California native and Mediterranean plants in this front yard garden conceals a host of sustainable gardening techniques.

First off is rainwater harvesting. From the roof, new gutters, downspouts and barrels collect rain, while a rain chain and urn disperse it. Below, a series of rock walls, drainage swales and deep gravel basins retain water, then let it slowly seep to irrigate cherimoya and Fuyu persimmon trees. A dry stream bed directs water as well.

Other edibles include a blueberry hedge, along with seasonal vegetables and herbs that fill a raised stone bed. Ornamental plantings provide nectar, pollen and habitat for beneficial insects, butterflies and birds. Swaths of multi-hued succulents form dramatic mosaics in the strip between the sidewalk and street.

Strong believers in creating sustainable spaces, the homeowners received Goleta Valley Beautiful’s 2014 Best Single Family Residential Design award, and were featured in SB City TV’s Garden Wise Episode 3: Rainy Days in the Garden and on YouTube.