Three years ago, it was time to redo the gardens and the
homeowners wanted drought tolerant planting that didn't have that
"desert" feel and they love color. But, the gardens presented special
challenges because unlike many in the neighborhood, they are heavily shaded.
Grow Garden Design helped fulfill their wish - and then some. The gardens, now three years old, have
achieved exactly what the homeowners wanted -- a lively and lush front yard
full of color and movement, a peaceful back yard and a side yard that is
interesting all through the seasons.
Both the front and back gardens are a balance of drought
tolerant plants from around the world and Yosemite flagstone and Yosemite
pebbles. In the front, the kangaroo paws and the three Cercis canadensis (forest
pansies) give pops of great color against the dark grey house (and in the
Spring, they have beautiful pink flowers), but color is found everywhere
through-out that garden in greens, greys, yellows and reds, down to the wonderful Dymondia between the flagstone. The back yard repeats those colors, but in a
quieter, contemplative manner. The trees
on the side yard are like art-work against the wall -- all though the year. The
garden attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The irrigation is a combination
of traditional sprinklers and drip irrigation.
