South (Side) Garden

Adjacent to what remains of the parking lot reclaimed by the Shotgun House and garden, the south garden is a year round riot of scents, blooms, color, birds and butterflies. Facing the Ocean Park branch of the Santa Monica Library and the Santa Monica’s Preservation Resource Center parking lot, the south garden is the most visible area of the Shotgun House Coast Garden.

As visitors approach the Shotgun House, Coyote Mint scents the ocean breeze, while White Penstemon and two ever-changing Western Redbud trees draw the gaze.

The south garden smells of mint year round and attracts birds and butterflies.

Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud , fits in tight spaces, and changes colors with the seasons.

Paz Showy Penstemon decorates the full south-facing side yard in spring.

Spring green Cercis leaves dance above their bed of Paz Showy Penstemon.

The purple pom-pom blooms of Coyote Mint are always a hit with kids!

As with many other types of California native foliage, the scent of Coyote Mint is in its foliage, not its blooms, so its fresh fragrance scents its home year round.

Acid yellow pom-pom blooms and the silver-white foliage of Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) nestle alongside the soft silver-green foliage and giant, bold blooms of Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescent) to the east side of the garden.

Sulphur Buckwheat’s silver foliage provides contrast and charm to the southeast corner of the side garden, all the more charming when its pom-pom blooms emerge.

In the front garden, mid-height Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescent) defines a boundary and provides privacy. In the side garden, it serves as a charming companion for plants with dark green and silver foliage.

Toward the west and the back of the home, the south garden contains Golden Currant (Ribes aureum), a wonderful choice for those who hope to attract birds and cool a space.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum) climbs a cinderblock wall behind the Shotgun House, offering both berries and golden blooms in spring.

Ever evolving and yet enchanting in each season, the south side of the Shotgun House Coastal Garden perfectly demonstrates the benefits of gardening with foliage authentic to the coast.