5th Street Garden Project

Overview

What began as a small COVID-era project quickly grew into a passionate transformation, turning a simple corner plot into a thriving, drought-tolerant garden that celebrates both the unique microclimate of Berkeley’s Oceanview neighborhood and the beauty of coastal landscapes. Today, the 5th Street Garden is not only a source of neighborhood pride—visited by passersby daily, but also an award-winning example of how thoughtful plant selection, layered textures, and color can create a strong impact.

Design Vision

The design pays homage to its seaside surroundings with an underwater-inspired theme, evoking the textures, colors, and forms of ocean plant life. The garden blends sculptural, structural elements with soft, flowing foliage, creating a sense of movement reminiscent of currents, tides and underwater plant life.

Plant Selection

The palette focuses on Zone 9 natives and drought-tolerant species, including:

• Structural anchors: Cordyline australis ‘Red Star,’ Agave attenuata, Yucca gloriosa variegata providing height, drama, and focal points.
• Flowing, feathery accents: Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’), Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima), and soft heucheras for contrast.
• Textural variety: Leucadendron salignum, Kalanchoe luciae (paddle plant), and low-growing succulents to add rhythm and density.
• Color and bloom highlights: California poppies for seasonal splashes of gold, and trailing groundcovers like Lotus berthelotii for coral-red cascades along the retaining wall.