Citizen scientist Ria de Grassi confirms discovery of a new larval host plant for buckeye butterflies.

Avid birders Randy Beaton and Sid England required a low-maintenance garden that takes care of itself much of the time.  They also wanted to create a front yard that would support native creatures and what better way than by using native California plants.

Mona and Frank Demasi

Many succulents are well adapted to low-water landscapes because their thickened leaves store water, providing them the ability to survive dry, hot climates. Softer leaved succulents like Echeveria prefer shade in our region while the larger, cold-hardy Agave and Aloe species do well in full sun.

Ria takes the commitment to water savings seriously; first renovating her backyard two years ago, and last fall tackling her front yard. Birch trees and high-water turf were removed. Now this east-facing front yard features subtly sloped areas behind two curved walls. This additional hardscape creates a structure for spreading mats of white lantana and red verbena whose long-lasting blooms add color and attract a variety of butterflies.

When Kiers' family moved into their mid-century-style home in July 2014, the front yard was a traditional patch of Bermuda grass and boxwood hedges. But, as a landscape architect, Kiers knew what to do next — the lawn had to go.