TREE
DISPLAY GROVE (1995)
The Grove honors Anna and Bill Mordy, the parents of two donor daughters.
This site was an empty area west of the Rose Garden, that was planted
in March 1995. Twelve types of trees were planted to present less ordinary
garden candidates for use in a home garden. Recently, $4,000 worth of
daffodils were planted throughout the Grove, and several tree stumps added
as sitting space. The existing gap between the Tree Grove and Rose Garden
is intentional, to stop tree roots from invading shallow roots of the
roses.
In 1989, Richard Ward made it possible to create the simple green oasis as a tribute to his wife Ann. From the little knoll, the visitor may look northeast toward the Rose Garden and beyond to Mt. Diablo. The lawn is composed of tall fescue pasture grass which looks lush with little watering. Though it is regularly cut here. it may be unmowed for a special fluffy effect. The fescue roots extend 5 feet into the soil, and although they stop growing during hot weather, the lawn thrives with twice weekly irrigation.
Five ornamental cherry trees like those in Washington, DC, were planted
in the lawn for ornament and shade. A durable wooden bench finished with
a weathered wash of wet cement and chlorine bleach stands amongst the
trees.
WATER
CONSERVATION GARDEN (2004)
The Conservation Garden extends from the sidewalk along Marchbanks Drive
downhill to the Howard Center Building, Learning Center Patio, and the
Children's Garden. It is the result of a long partnership between The
Gardens at Heather Farm and East Bay Municipal Utility District. The
garden illustrates how conservation principles can be put to use to create
beautiful landscapes that conserve water and energy, protect wildlands,
limit green waste, and provide habitat for wildlife, while at the same
time requiring less upkeep than traditional landscapes. It is inspired
by an d reflects the sustainable landscaping aesthetic of EBMUD's book
Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates
of the San Francisco Bay Region.
More information on the garden
WATERFALL
GARDEN (2000)
Demonstrates various types of hardscapes materials and unique plantings
designed to attract birds and butterflies. Features eleven waterfalls,
tree ponds and two bridges
