In 1987 my wife, Bettine, and I moved into a new home, for us, in the foothills outside of Santa Barbara. From the first day there, we have worked creating a garden.

Our garden is designed to be a pleasure to the eye as well as a benefit to the native animals. We have planted both native plants and, near the house, alien plants, to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

I originally called this feature Bettine's Garden. Although we have both been involved in creating our garden Bettine has the botanical knowledge and has been the major mover. Bettine is a docent at the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, she is a master gardener and has always had a garden, although before never with this room.

Every since we bought our home we have thought about naming it. We considered many names but the one that has stayed with us is Mockingbird Hill. As I worked on this section I find my interests extend beyond the garden so I have decided to call it Mockingbird Hill.