Way Out West Natives is dedicated to creating residential gardens that feature the native plants of this place, primarily the coastal East Bay from San Leandro to El Sobrante, although our work extends over the hills to Lafayette and the interior valleys. My family has lived in central Oakland for over 100 years and I find my historical sense of place deepened by knowing and working with the native plants of this region. The immense variety of indigenous plants that have coexisted here with local wildlife and pollinators are well-suited to provide beautiful and sustainable gardens that delight and benefit their human inhabitants as well. I love the process of exploring and sharing with my clients as we assess their sites and visions and discover the many possibilities for enhancing their natural environments. I am an enthusiastic problem-solver and am skilled at balancing a wide range of needs from budget and aesthetics to plant requirements and availability. For every garden, I seek to reduce water and maintenance needs while increasing wildlife diversity and creating distinctive outdoor spaces for clients to enjoy.

-Darlene Johnson (owner)