The owners of this property in San Leandro wanted to transform their front lawn into a beautiful and productive garden that would allow them to engage neighbors. Gardeners both, the owners enjoy doing maintenance themselves and wanted to incorporate edibles and native plants.  

Designer Ann Morrison created a plan that locates raised beds in the planting strips and replaces most of the lawn in the yard with natives.  The raised beds vary from 3-4’ in width. The level area under the street lamp would become an open seating area with a permanent bench installed. Everyone’s welcome.  By locating their edible garden in the front and providing seating for the public, the garden renovation invites participation. The owners want to visit with passersby and set an example by planting a mix of herbs and flowers in the middle of more low maintenance and drought tolerant options.