An oak woodland is a special environment. Our native coast live oak is accustomed to summer drought and is intolerant of watering during the warm season. Countless oaks have been killed as a result of people planting lawns and high water-use plants beneath them. The most sensitive area is within 8 feet of the trunk, where constant moisture can lead to the development of incurable oak root fungus, but the entire root zone needs to be kept on the dry side for optimal health of the tree. Naturally, this poses special challenges for the gardener.

We created this patio garden in the mid-1990s. A stucco wall surrounds a brick patio, making a secret garden behind the entry walk. An existing antique fountain and a one-of-a-kind statue of Pan, the Greek god of forests, were relocated at natural focal points. Native sandstone cobbles were arranged around the trunks of the oak trees to keep the area dry; these make an interesting sculptural relief that nicely sets off the handsome trunks. A curving line of existing hand-carved stone bollards connected with heavy chains makes a good-looking boundary between the graveled parking area and the entry garden.

Plantings include many California native species (toyon, lemonade berry, island alum root, evergreen currant, native grasses) and plants from other Mediterranean climates (Westringia, Cape rush, Agave attenuata). A drip system waters the plants a few times in the summer, and a mulch of shredded bark covers the ground.