When it came time to install landscaping for our new offices in San Leandro, company president Cassidy Lundin had a special request. Instead of a boring lawn edged with the usual clipped shrubs, he envisioned a habitat garden that would support local wildlife like butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. No problem! 

We planted Butterfly Bush (Buddleja), Daylilies (Hemerocallis), Santa Barbara Sage (Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias), Lion’s Tail (Leonotus) and a variety of native sages and manzanitas. 

These drought-adapted plants need little irrigation, so to keep the pollinators hydrated – and to add the splash and sparkle of water – we fashioned a local boulder into a recirculating fountain. Sure enough, butterflies and hummingbirds started showing up right away. 

For your landscape, consider adding wildlife-friendly plants among groups of traditional shrubs or in open, sunny areas in place of lawns. Even just a few here and there will attract winged visitors and keep things lively.