Succulents can provide beauty and color without the use of irrigation.
Southern California experiences dry and temperate weather but also contains the Mojave desert where summers can create high heat environments. The climate and soil of southern California demands specific gardening tips not applicable in most other areas of the United States. For example, Digital Seed suggests the addition of as much organic matter as possible to the soil prior to planting in order to increase the soil's acidity rather than the addition of lime or wood ash, which is often applied to the acidic soil of the eastern United States. Moreover, wise gardeners should plant drought-tolerant gardens appropriate to the dry southern California environment. Does this Spark an idea?
Use Water-Saving Plants
Many parts of southern California must conserve water to ensure plentiful supplies for residents in the future. Reduce water usage and landscaping maintenance costs by planting native and drought-tolerant plants, such as sage, yarrow, wormwood and mugwort. Coast live oak and Western sycamore trees provide shade without the use of much water. Xeriscaping refers to this practice of gardening with little or no water. Be Water Wise, an organization promoting water conservation in southern California, also recommends planting a garden according to water-usage needs. In other words, keep drought-tolerant plant species separate from those requiring more regular waterings.
Plant Cacti and Succulents
Cacti and succulents grow well in dry parts of southern California. Plant tall cacti deep into the garden space, flank them with medium-sized plants like agave and surround the entire group with low-growing succulents. This design allows the garden visitor to view all of the plants together and opens up the garden space. Succulents range in size, shape and color and display many interesting geometric forms. Cacti and succulents also provide drought-tolerant landscaping.
Bougainvillea Bench
Bougainvillea vines grow easily in southern California and produce many bright magenta flowers. Bougainvilleas grow up to 20 feet in length and crawl up trellises and walls while they are at it. Because of these characteristics, bougainvilleas provide the perfect plant for either side of an arched trellis. Place a bench under the trellis and watch a colorful shady spot in your garden grow.
Tags: southern California, Cacti succulents, garden space, parts southern, parts southern California