This house was built in 1889 and was a Alameda community landmark housing the much-loved Thomsen’s Nursery and Vine’s Cafe for over 60 years.

We started literally from a blank slate – an empty lot left to itself after the nursery closed.

We cleaned up the lot removing 40,000 pounds of concrete and other debris to prepare the grounds for soil rehabilitation.

As a first step we covered the whole ground with recycled cardboard and eco mulch to create a foundation for planting.

Composting plays a major role in restoring nutrients to the soil.

The garden produces an abundance of fruits, herbs and vegetables, and supports a vibrant environment for bees, birds and butterflies.