We planted manzanitas

To anchor the Equestrian Center native garden, both visually and botanically, we installed three Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Dr. Hurd’, commonly known as Bigberry Manzanita.  While likely a hybrid, ‘Dr. Hurd’ has many characteristics of its parent, Bigberry Manzanita, Arctostaphylos manzanita.

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Arctostaphylos manzanita 'Dr. Hurd', aka Bigberry Manzanita

Though somewhat challenging in gardens, sensitive to summer watering, and sometimes nibbled by deer, we  believe that this is a great choice to try in this new garden.  

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This is not the same species as our local YLP manzanita -- Arctostaphylos viscida -- but Bigberry Manzanita is considered to be native to our general area here in the Central Sierra Foothills.

Here’s a taste of how much fun we had planting them.  Thanks to Alex at Thicket & Vine Nursery for beautiful plants and spirited help, and  Diana Binney for some great shots: