Two years ago, a post on NextDoor Pioneer Canyon caught Rose Sarkkinen’s eye. A local woman shared a picture of the Backyard Habitat that had replaced her lawn. Intrigued, Rose reached out to the woman and asked what she had done. After gathering information on the steps involved, Rose learned that the Ridgefield Garden Club (RGC) was just starting a grant program to support gardeners wanting to add native plants to their yards.

Rose studied up some more, received an onsite consultation from RGC members, and developed a plan. Two months later, in fall 2024, she was among the first Ridgefield residents to receive a $200 grant, which allowed her to purchase 12 different kinds of native plants. The grant saved her money so she could hire someone to help remove the grass, lay down cardboard, and add new compost and soil.

Today, as I stand in Rose’s yard, I see it has transformed from grass and a concrete patio into an inviting garden oasis. Rose is all cheerfulness as she points out her happy plants and shows off the bumble bees visiting her yard. 

“I didn’t have bees before, and now I do,” Rose said proudly.

Asked about her biggest challenge in transforming the space, she says, “Being patient. I wanted it right now, but there are stages to it.” What does she like about her new garden? “It was blah before. Now it has color.”

Among Rose’s favorite plants are native columbine, native coneflower, and mock orange. But these are only three of the 22 native plants she grows. She just acquired No. 22, an ocean spray. With her back garden looking nearly complete, I ask about her future goals. Her answer: Add some native plants in the front yard. Oh, and add some garden art in the back, too.

For now, though, she has no lawn in the back to mow, and the gray stone wall that once dominated her patio view has faded into the background.