Native plant enthusiats are invited to a professional garden tour of the Ackerman Native Garden for Wildlife, a four-year-old residential landscape in Granada Hills that demonstrates how native plant design can support wildlife, reduce maintenance, and adapt to complex site conditions. This peer-focused tour offers an opportunity to study plant performance and design strategies in a foothill setting shaped by slopes, clay soils, wind exposure, and dramatically varied sun conditions.

Designed and installed by Seco Verde, the approximately 4,023-square-foot garden reflects the homeowner’s goal of creating a living landscape that prioritizes habitat value while maintaining visual interest throughout the year. Roughly 80% of the garden is planted with California natives, carefully arranged to respond to microclimates across the site.

Beyond planting, the site incorporates stormwater capture, solar power, and firescaping, reinforcing the garden’s emphasis on resilience. The landscape actively supports bird and butterfly populations, with hummingbirds frequently nesting in the shaded porch area.

The tour will be guided by homeowner Pete Ackerman and landscape designer Carol Aronson of Seco Verde, who will share insights into the garden’s development, plant selection strategies, and long-term maintenance considerations for a wildlife-centered native landscape.

Tour Details

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00–11:30 AM
📍 Location: Granada Hills, CA 91344 (Exact address provided two days before the event)
🎟️ Capacity & Eligibility: Limited-capacity tour allowing for meaningful discussion and safe navigation of the site
💬 Language: The tour will be conducted in English
‼️ Notes: Uneven terrain in parts of the garden; closed-toe shoes required. Children and pets are not permitted.

Tour Highlights

📝 Gain professional insight into designing wildlife-forward, low-maintenance native landscapes with year-round color
🔎 Explore a foothill residential garden with full sun, full shade, and transitional conditions, along with clay soils and wind exposure
💧 Learn how stormwater capture, solar power, and firescaping are integrated into a resilient home landscape
🦋 See how native plant design actively supports birds and butterflies, including hummingbird nesting habitat
🥕 Discuss strategies for incorporating edible plants into a primarily native garden
🤝 Connect and exchange ideas with fellow native plants professionals in an intimate, site-based setting

Site Conditions & Accessibility

Partially ADA accessible: wheelchair access via the driveway allows movement between front and back yards
Most of the garden can be viewed from these access points; some areas include steps
Uneven terrain with stone and decomposed granite pathways
Closed-toe shoes required; please bring water and dress for outdoor conditions

By registering for this event, you are reserving one spot for this limited-capacity professional tour. If your plans change, please update your registration so your space may be offered to another person.

For questions, please email, professional-ed@theodorepayne.org.

Photo by Marie Astrid Gonzalez/Theodore Payne Foundation.

Contact the host of Professional-to-Professional Garden Tour: Ackerman Garden for Wildlife

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