If you're looking for an outdoor activity, take a stroll through the La Loma Native Garden at 1805 Encina Avenue in Modesto. This two-acre area is ablaze with color right now, with many blooming wildflowers of different hues.

It's a joy to walk along the tree lined path and discover a variety of native plant species you might not know about. This garden recreates natural environments that are dwindling.

The garden was started as a community effort with support from the City of Modesto to improve a neglected strip of land and provide a usable space for the neighborhood. Much of the assets in the garden came from donations and neighborhood efforts. Modesto Subaru also came on board as a supporter to help with needed improvements. 

The garden has sections of interest, such as a children's play area, where a little lending library can be found and activities such as tic tac toe and hopscotch. Rustic wood benches are scattered along the path for rest and view stops. The city provided 32 valley oak trees which form the backbone of the garden along the path.

During the spring months there is much color to enjoy. Look for white poppies, yarrow, daisies, and mock orange in the white garden area.

The blue garden hosts blue eyed grass, ceanothus, Cleveland sage and other bluish blooms. The striking dark blue blossoms on the ceanothus are a must see and attract large numbers of bees, both native bees and honeybees.

Another developing color area is the yellow garden, which has sunflowers, wallflower, and other asters. 

You may find your own favorite plant or color spot as you walk along the trail and explore. Many area residents come back weekly to see which plants are newly blooming. The garden changes constantly,

The increase in bird and insect visitations is a reminder of what communities can do to help support our natural environment.

If you see some plants that inspire you, consider planting these species in your home landscape to provide a food source for our native pollinators, which are in desperate need of habitat and nutrition that these plants can provide. 

Enjoy your walk!

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You can learn more about the La Loma Neighborhood Garden by visiting their website at https://sites.google.com/prod/view/lalomanativegarden

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Rhonda Allen is a Master Gardener trainee. She is set to graduate and become a Master Gardener this June!