GARDENS ARE LIVING WORKS OF ART

 

Gardens change throughout the day and the year, depending on the weather, daylight hours, and growing season. This is my garden and it continues to be a work in progress. All of the plants in this section are currently in my yard and the pictures were taken by me. 

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Please understand that this is an extremely water wise yard. It looks lush and it is, but these are mostly natives and they don't like summer water. I water occasionally in the summer but turn the water off about October 1 and don't turn it back on until sometime in May, usually late May. Additionally, some of these plants receive no supplemental irrigation at all, ever. 

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Part of an old orange grove, the area was developed in the mid-1940s for returning World War 2 veterans.  The property is about 10,000 square feet (almost a quarter acre) but the house is small; there is a lot of landscape. Initially there was approximately 6,000 square feet of grass, some shrubs, a concrete back porch, and a large dying black walnut tree in the back yard.

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Having worked in the conservation sector of water, I knew the grass needed to be replaced with a more sustainable landscape. Applying the first law of design (form follows function), I decided that my house was too small to host my family inside for parties, birthdays, and holidays. I needed an outdoor space for that. But I also wanted a landscape that was peaceful and created a refuge for native birds, bees, and butterflies. Ultimately, my house became a venue for experimentation in design, plants, and climate in the Inland Empire.

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I did some of the work myself to save money, used materials found on the property whenever possible, hired a contractor for the concrete and brick work, and maintain the property myself with the occasional helper for “heavy” work.  Over time I have learned to do more and more of the maintenance myself. YouTube has been very helpful as well as local nurseries and irrigation supply houses. I have nothing against "big box" stores but have found more success at small local businesses.

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Fast forward to 2024, the garden is completely grass free and incorporates both native and drought tolerant plants to encourage birds, butterflies, and bees to visit. Visitors have included hawks, swallowtails, owls, finches, and Western Bluebirds. It is less maintenance than a traditional yard and significantly less water. While I initially installed drip irrigation, I have removed it in many parts of my yard. Many plants receive no irrigation and survive on whatever nature provides.

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At this point, I have learned a few things:

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1. Think about it a lot before you start; a clear plan saves time and money.

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2. The more native plants you use, the better. They require less work and water.

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3. Do your own research; many experts are not experts at all. They will install your landscape and may leave you with problems. They don't look at landscapes later so they may be unaware of long term issues.

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4. Hire a designer; they are worth the money in the long run. You probably don't need a landscape architect unless you have structural changes. A reputable landscape designer will suffice. My designer was Deb Sherman at www.dslandscapedesign.com. I do not receive anything from Deb for this; she just did a good job.

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5. Contractors make a difference so I would shop around. Wally Naylor (sadly, now retired) did the work on my place. He taught me a lot, in particular about drainage. Maybe my job finally made him say "no more!" 

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We all became good friends. 

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   6. Plant less plants than you think you need. Plants will often grow much much bigger than you anticipate.     This may mean that you have to pull some out because it becomes an overgrown mess. This wastes time       and money. Just be patient and let them grow in. 

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See below for some interesting before and after pictures. 

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