When I first began taking plant identification classes and following a passion for plants into the landscape design field, I was partial to native plants. As I started my business in the 1990’s, my tastes began expanding, thanks in large part to several progressive Bay Area nurseries that made it their mission to expand the palette of available plants. In the past few years, I have again felt drawn to the native plants of our regions, and incorporate them into most of my designs. Its not complicated: Native plantings just feel good to me. Its the only way I can describe it. I love the smells, and I love to be reminded of the natural areas north of San Francisco where I have spent so much time walking and hiking. The vision I’ve been having recently sees the little plots of land we call our gardens as pieces of the wilder landscapes where so many of us go for beauty and replenishment. Awhile back, I installed a native garden in the Richmond District of San Francisco. Within several weeks , ground nesting Junco’s had established a nest within the Dune Tansies. This is what I’m talking about.