Low-water pollinator garden
During the early days of the pandemic, my small raised-bed garden became a space for me to experiment with growing vegetables, succulents, and native plants for the first time.
I learned what was suited to the Riverside climate and what I enjoyed growing. I figured out how to deal with pests as issues cropped up. And I discovered that sourcing free plant cuttings or seedlings & offering propogated plants back to the neighborhood was the most rewarding part of gardening for me. Below, I've shared photos of this little haven, which would be buzzing with bees, butterflies, and birds all spring and summer. (Excellent cat tv.)
I've shared a plant list and resources I found helpful, below. While the plants are a mix of native and non-native; they share low watering needs and resilience to strong sun and heat.
before/after
work in progress
resources
- @california_native_plants' webinars and seed store
- Parkview Nursery's two locaations in Riverside
- UCR Botanic Garden's biannual plant sales
- CNPS events and plant sales
- Theodore Payne Foundation's events & seeds
- Facebook Buy Nothing groups
- Calscape
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
pollinators
The plants drew bees (including one resident carpenter bee I fondly called “Fred”), monarchs and other kinds of butterflies & moths, and hummingbirds.
garden buddies
My (indoor only) cats and the next door neighbor's cat Keanu, who all spent a lot of time enjoying the garden from their respective spots.
I learned a ton about observing what works and what doesn't from this small space. About my own interests and favorite plants. I can't wait to take it all with me on to the next garden.
Thank you to my parents, brother, and spouse for helping me build the boxes. You're the best.
