For years this front yard was a thick thatch of ivy and a
very large Jade plant. It felt old, tired and uninspired. The homeowners wanted to create a relaxed, fresh garden using low water
plants. Working with landscape designer Carol Davis, they decided to use curved, flowing line in the design to create that
feel.
They used California natives Verbena lilaciana (lilac
verbena), Erigonium rubensens (Red buckwheat) and Salvia greggii (Autumn sage) to
attract bees and butterflies with their delicious pollens. They also love their
beautiful purple, pink and red flowers.
Anigozanthus (Kangaroo paw) adds quirky red
flowers which the humming birds love, love, love. California native Leymus condensa ‘canyon prince or wild rye grass creates a beautiful blue strip down the north side of the
garden. Yellow Hemerocallis (Day lilies) are mixed in for a splash of color.
Down the south side of the garden they planted Pittosporium
tenuifolium ‘silver sheen’ for an open lacy border. Along the top they planted a succulent garden with Agave
blue glow, Agave desmentalia and Agave vilaminora as well as Fucrea
foetida ‘mediopica’ or False agave. The succulent garden creates a nice
architectural structured backdrop.
There are two trees: a California native Parkinsonia
‘desert museum’ or Desert Museum Palo Verde with its sweet yellow and orange
flowers - another bee attractor - and the Cersis ‘forest pansy’ or Forest Pansy
Redbud with it’s lovely maroon leaves.
The parkway is a sort of living tapestry with Elphin thyme, Sedum hispanicum and Sedum spurium tricolor.
The center piece is a swath of California native Fescue rubra or
Creeping Red Fescue ‘green wave’. It’s soft undulating texture was the perfect
feel for this relaxed, fresh garden.
The landscape designer will be at the garden to answer your questions.
