- Author: Trisha Rose
Recently I wrote for one of our local papers on this topic. My guess is, this conversation could go on for awhile. Thought I would share what is on my mind now. The garden is now “lawn-free” with a mass of river pebbles covering a lot of the backyard. There are planting beds securing each corner and large raised beds along with thriving Washington Navel citrus trees anchoring the back border. We are not done designing how we are going to use this garden so I thought it is time to start thinking about design checklists. I have used checklists my whole life so I will use that same tool now. Here is the design checklist I am using.
Screening: the need to block out an eyesore is a common situation we face in urban areas. It could be a utility box, an exposed foundation, an air conditioning unit, neighboring houses, or just a desire for a space that will offer a sense of retreat. I'll be on the lookout this spring for design solutions while I enjoy our local garden tours. Last year I saw an elegant use of bamboo that effectively blocked a very close next door neighbor's house. One of my favorite reference books, The Sunset New Western Garden Book, includes an extensive listing of options for choosing which Bamboo might work best for you as well as how to plant and care for your bamboo.
Soften a wall or a fence: My retaining wall serves a very necessary purpose but grey concrete blocks aren't really that attractive. I just planted Agave attenuata across the base of the wall, they should get well established between now and the heat of summer. Other options I've considered are Bougainvillea or a prostrate Rosmarinus officinalis to spread across with beautiful color as a bonus, whatever you choose make sure that pruning can be done safely.
Shade areas: Choose perennials and shrubs that prefer shade, or if you have the space and a good source of water, add the beautiful Japanese maples that thrive in filtered shade. Our local nurseries have sections devoted to these plants. I have found that shopping locally leads to more successful plant choices. Local nursery staff know our soils and weather conditions. They know from experience which cultivars will thrive in Solano County, l have learned to trust our local nurseries and cultivate their friendship.
Dress up a driveway: Place groundcovers and/or decorative rocks or bricks in a pattern alongside the pavement. Even a simple repeating pattern of bricks will add stability and interest to these areas. I started working on this project last year. My neighbor and I added pavers to the area between our narrow walkways. We pull out the trash bins every week along side these walkways, now with the extra width of the brick pavers, this chore is safer and the area is more attractive. My neighbor planted Stachys byzantina, a hardy and long lived groundcover also known as “lamb's ear”, in this shared space and I spread some Alyssum seeds over the soil once the bricks were in place, the sweet fragrance and cheerful white and lavender flowers are an unexpected bonus and volunteer Nasturtium and donated succulents fill up this former bare space.
Surround a deck or planting bed: Adding a border of succulents or groundcovers along the edges of planting beds adds interest and softens the concrete edges. I added some succulent starts late this summer just after the lawn was removed. The succulents will not need much water and are very easy to care for. Placing groundcovers at the edge inside the concrete borders allows drip irrigation to water the plants, which will eventually grow over the concrete borders and soften these edges.
Lampposts and mailboxes: Often these utility items are left bare and the posts frequently show the scarring from years of weed-eaters snapping against the wooden posts. With just a little time and very little effort these unattractive utilities can be transformed into an attractive focal point. Add a drought tolerant succulent border with some decorative pebbles to dress up these areas or plant ornamental grasses to surround mailbox posts, pay attention to the mature height when making your plant choices. You don't want the plants to be a nuisance to your mail carriers. The height of the grasses adds softness and movement to the garden.
Bare spaces: Add tough perennials such as Agaves, Salvias, or Cistus or long lived ground covers.
Add personality to create a cohesive design: Think about your garden in terms of a theme. Maybe you desire a fanciful country cottage, a clean lined mid-century look or a breezy Mediterranean look. Decide on your preference and stick with it. When you shop for plants, hardscape or outdoor furniture, mention your design theme to help the sales staff guide you to choices that will fit with your theme. Also it is so easy these days to spend time gathering ideas on Pinterest, and so many other websites and magazines. Gather your favorite design and color preferences.
Finished look: Sometimes less is more. Let your work standout, too much clutter even in a country cottage can cover up your work. Let your work show and grow naturally. You don't want such a crowded space that you are out there pruning all the time, or not. Give your plants room to spread naturally and get the sun they need.
My last thought, add organic matter such as compost and mulch then add some more, your garden will thank you.