(Click on images to enlarge) Ca Native shrubs and flowering perennials in peak bloom, roughly Early April. Two Salvia clevelandii (Cleveland Sages) in the back frame Diplacus aurantiacus (Monkeyflower) in the center, creating a wonderful contrast of color that pops! In the foreground, a bi-color Monkeyflower, Coreopsis, and Coyote Mint create a layered effect where plants start out shorter near the garden border and progress to taller plants in the back.
A mixed perennial border of mostly native pollinator plants provides tons of color and nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Featured Plants (not mentioned in previous picture):
Erigeron glaucus ‘Wayne Roderick’ (CA Native)
Salvia mellifera (CA Native)
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ (US Native cultivar)
Mid-Planting, prior to application of mulch. The ground in between plants was seeded with California Poppy to provide seasonal color as the other plants grow in.
California Poppies grown from seed in order to provide massive color and wow factor in the gaps between plants for the first year as they are filling in. Poppies Can be thinned out after blooming to provide a cleaner look, or can be left in the landscape to reseed and come back each year!
‘Austin Griffiths’ Manzanita is an eye-catching centerpiece in this CA Native Rock Garden. Small plugs of Hummingbird Sage will grow in to create lush highlights of green foliage and pink flowers on 1-2 foot tall inflorescences that are adored by Hummingbirds.
CA Native succulents (Dudleya lanceolata, Dudleya farinosa, and Lewisia longipetala) grow between large granitic stones, as they often would out in their natural habitat. A native Deer Fern grows from the shadier side of the rocks. This design was inspired by plants I encountered while hiking in Rubio Canyon, Altadena prior to the wildfires (Dudleya lanceolata and Polypodium californicum growing in the same way, with the Dudleyas emerging from cracks in the rocks and the ferns growing from the shadier side of the stones).
CA Native succulents (Dudleya lanceolata, Dudleya farinosa, and Lewisia longipetala) grow between large granitic stones, as they often would out in their natural habitat. A native Deer Fern grows from the shadier side of the rocks. This design was inspired by plants I encountered while hiking in Rubio Canyon, Altadena prior to the wildfires (Dudleya lanceolata and Polypodium californicum growing in the same way, with the Dudleyas emerging from cracks in the rocks and the ferns growing from the shadier side of the stones).
This pollinator garden landscape combines CA natives and naturalized plants for year-round nectar and color. Featuring two flagstone paths, Dymondia groundcover (still filling in), and a raised edible garden bed, this newly planted landscape is walkable, functional, interactive, and beautiful. In the center is a (currently dormant) Matilija Poppy, also known as a Fried-Egg Plant. Narrow-Leaf Milkweed acts as the host plant for Monarch Butterflies and Butterfly Bush, Yarrow, native Sages, and Cedros Island Verbena provide ample nectar for all the butterflies and hummingbirds to come!
Brocolli, lettuce, and other salad greens make for a nice cool-season crop! This raised garden bed was installed last in the empty space that is shown in the first image of this section. The crops were planted from small plugs (6 pack size) roughly 1-2 months prior to this photo being taken. Nothing beats doing some edible gardening in the middle of a pollinator garden!
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ (Moonshine Yarrow) growth progress, roughly 1-2 months after planting from 1 gallon pots. Ca native wildflowers from seed are also beginning to sprout.
A classic “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” planting for a mostly shade, part sun area makes a beautiful statement near the entry way of a home.
Thriller -Abutilon ‘Victor Reiter’ (Flowering Maple, Chinese Lantern Plant)
Filler – Begonia semperflorens (Wax Begonia)
Spiller – Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Zonal Geraniums, Ivy Geraniums, and African Daisies light up this backyard seating area. This picture was taken in Late January, and the plants are already in full bloom and thriving from regular maintenance.
Even heavy shade or filtered-sun conditions are no problem! This more classical, structured look enhances the feel of the patio and seating areas while providing lots of color and beauty!
Linear architecture and symmetry give these landscapes a more structural feel. Pittosporum tenuifolium, now a carefully pruned shrub, will grow together to form a dense privacy hedge over time. Just-budding Canna Lillies create a tropical pool-side vibe, and the silvery-foliage of Senecio “Angel Wings” is sure to capture the attention of passerbys on their evening walks.
For any questions please email Brett@GardenSageLandscapes.com
For a Free Quote, please fill out the short form here, so I can provide a more accurate estimated cost
