1.  Perimeter Garden

This section along the front border and mounded areas contains a variety of plant types, including groundcovers, larger shrubs, and grasses.  There is a wide array of colors and textures in foliage types as well as flowers.  A field of California poppies currently occupies the future site of an Asian garden.

2.  Mediterranean Climate Courtyard

California is considered a "Mediterranean" climate because of its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.  Plants in this garden are naturally adapted to this weather type, needing less water and care than many water-loving nursery selections.  They display characteristics that enable them to defend themselves against summer drought and lean soils.  This distinctive climate pattern is also found parts of Australia, central Chile, and South Africa.

3.  Perennial Walk

This walk is filled with herbaceous (non-woody) perennials, grasses and bulbs that bloom at different times, providing changing seasonal interest.  Perennials live for 3 or more years, most of which die back to the ground at the end of the growing season.

4.  Common Variety Garden

These plants are commonly found in the nursery trade, but survive on lower amounts of water than customarily assumed.  A permeable concrete walk and patio are set off by overhead vines and colorful blooms.

5.  Native Plant Garden

The California natives in this garden were selected for their residential application.  With minimal supplemental summer water and little to no soil amendment, these can be kept attractive year round.  Natives attract more beneficial insects than non-natives, and they incorporate well into established Mediterranean-type gardens.