Riding around Alameda you can see many yards that have transitioned from standard turf grass to more creative landscaping. It's part of a movement to create wildlife- and Bay-friendly landscaping in our yards and public spaces. The City of Alameda is even considering an ordinance to follow "Bay Friendly" gardening guidelines in future public landscaping projects (see http://www.cityofalamedaca.gov/getdoc.cfm?id=8260). You can read more about the recent Bay Friendly Gardens Tour hosted in Alameda and other East Bay cities here: http://science.kqed.org/quest/2012/05/11/bay-friendly-gardening-welcoming-wildlife-and-nature-into-human-habitats/
Ploughshares Nursery was a featured stop on the tour.