With very few exceptions, the plants in the front yard are all native to California. Replacing turf with native plants and adding a water source brings birds and pollinators to our garden. (It also complies with the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance, although we are not required to do so).
The driveway strip is planted with natives that will eventually need no additional water to thrive in our climate. These plants can all be found growing in the chaparral in the canyon above (and on the hillside across the street). It includes annual wildflowers as well as perennial anchor plants. We expect this area to eventually resemble the way Altadena looked a century ago.
The dry sloped area is home to various types of agave. Not all of these are natives, but they do well in the dry, sandy soil. Most agaves are very slow growing and have very tall flower spikes. After flowering the plant will die, but will usually leave pups behind. Agave flowers are a favorite for our local hummingbirds.
The hilled area around the wooden bench is landscaped with aromatic plants. You can sit on the benches and enjoy the fragrance of the chaparral.
Allen's hummingbirds live in our area year round and many other types spend some time here or migrate through our area. Rather than using feeders to attract them, landscaping with plants that provide food year round means that they will come to our garden and will often set up nests. Many of the plants used for landscaping, particularly in the back yard have been selected for this purpose. Some of these flower throughout the year (like the grevillia in the back, south east corner), while others only flower for one or two seasons. Many of the plants in the backyard are native to South Africa which shares a similar climate.
Our hummingbirds are particularly active in the early morning and in the afternoon/evening. You will often hear them singing, but you may not recognize their voices.