Develop resilience in the foothills by harnessing the strengths of the Nifty Nine. They earned this designation by addressing multiple Sierra Madre community goals, which include mitigating fire and slide potential, supporting wildlife and human health, and saving both water and energy.
Category: Galleries
Edible Garden
Sierra Madre was once a breadbasket. Our indigenous population used the plants found here as food and medicinal sources – we can as well!
See more California native edibles and recipes.
Wildlife Garden
Birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and reptiles will be drawn to the native foliage in this partially shaded, partially sunny area. Watch for Monarch and California Checkerspot butterflies, hummingbirds, Western Scrub Jay, California Quail, and Western Fence Lizards.
Additional Foliage:Â Ascelpia speciosa, Milkweed, the only food and habitat that attracts and protects Monarch butterflies.
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Fire Garden
While there is no such thing as a fireproof plant, those in the Authentic Foothill Gardens at Sierra Madre City Hall that surround the police and fire station retain moisture and play an important role in fuel management.
These plants are particularly useful in wildfire-prone areas like Sierra Madre. An added bonus: Bushes are key to cooling areas, and plentiful foliage like this can reduce air conditioning costs by 15-50 percent.
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Shade Garden
Mature trees and the overhang of the nearby building create an environment to Sycamore trees. The native understory plants seen here thrive in these dry, shaded areas. They are uniquely suited for planting under native oaks, in lieu of lawn or ornamental plants.
More Information:
- Oregon Grape vs. Non-Native Grape
- Coffeeberry vs. PittosporumÂ
- Hummingbird Sage: LA’s Latest It Girl
IdealMow Lawn
IdealMow® lawns consume just 20-30 percent of the water needed to sustain turf. They thrive without toxic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. They also produce less waste and need less attention, particularly when left to grow as meadows. These savings add up! Replacing 1000 square feet of turf replaced with an IdealMow lawn can save more than $30,000 in just 10 years. There are four IdealMow lawns in the Authentic Foothill Gardens.
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Chaparral (Sun) Garden
These heat tolerant plants once dominated the foothills of California. Their thick leathery leaves reduce evaporation and help them enjoy high sun exposure.
Additional Foliage:Â Adenostema fasciculatum, Chamise
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Rain Garden
Areas with the lowest elevation harness the power of riparian native plants to prevent the runoff by encouraging water infiltration. Â These bioswales also capture water to recharge the groundwater table and improve the cleanliness of water that leaves the property. Â
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Spring 2017
Garden Memorials
The Authentic Foothill Gardens were, in large part, community funded. Donors are recognized on memorial benches, bricks and other commemorative plaques throughout the space.









