An Autumn Walk Through a Native Garden

Story and photos by Deanna Giuliano.

Explore the stunning fall colors of this California native home garden as California sunflower (Helianthus californicus), lavender asters, and California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) attract late-season pollinators. This garden was planted with the concept of creating micro-habitats — each section mimics a different California ecosystem, from coastal sage scrub near the driveway to a mini oak woodland under the house eaves.

Autumn is when the garden truly shines, with golden yellows, purples, and warm browns creating a tapestry of color that draws in everything from painted lady butterflies to hummingbirds.