If you’re brainstorming over what to include in your garden this spring but are less than impressed with the same old, same old at your local nursery, everything you’re looking for could be found with California native plants.
We’ll talk about it in this issue.
When your garden is designed the right way, a native garden can be the exact opposite of what you may have in mind. Instead of a brown, scruffy patch, a native garden can include trees and shrubs that flower, ground covers and a breathtaking collection of perennials.
Actually, your requirements for watering may go down. The native plants will also return year after year with practically no pruning, except for some deadheading.
The only potential hiccup is if you have clay soil or overworked and compacted soil. For this, add roughly 25% organic compost to the soil before you plant. After they’re in the ground, water your plants generously so that the air pockets around the root ball will be removed.
In the summertime, most California native plants go into semi-dormancy, needing to be watered just once every 7-10 days.
As far as shrubs and types of screening plants, good selections include Elderberry, Island Mountain Mahogany, Coastal Sage, Coffeeberry, Flannel Bush and Island Bush Poppy.
Suggestions for native trees include Redbuds, Catalina Ironwood, Box Elder, Island Oaks and Desert Willows.
If you’re not quite sure what to plant this spring or if you’re stumped for ideas on how to refurb your landscaping, we’re here to help.
Call the Juniper Landscape Company at 619-334-9464.