Waterwise Garden

Broad bands of water-conserving shrubs and perennials sweep across this front yard. Perpetually blooming Mexican sage reigns as the client’s signature plant, while swaths of yellow Jerusalem sage, deep red kangaroo paw and bright magenta calandrinia shine in supporting roles.

Who says a fence has to wrap the entire property? A hefty run of a free-standing, lattice now screens the house and shields the front windows from car beams at night on this rural corner lot. The gray gravel paths, lined with stones in a blend of gray, black and white, complement the house color and granite boulders, while a wide bend at just the right spot is perfect for a vintage café table and chairs.

There’s an abundance of birdsong, with the vibrant, colorful, native and Mediterranean plants offering year-round sustenance and habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. The water-conserving garden received a Goleta Valley Beautiful award for best residential design in 2005 and has continued to mature beautifully.

In the back yard, we swapped out a thirsty, conventional lawn with ground-hugging dymondia, yet another waterwise plant.