Landscaping ideas

6 years ago

Hi all,

I posted this in a couple of other places with no response, so I'm hoping it will do better here.

Other than growing vegetables in containers and killing half of what I’ve ever planted, I am new to gardening. Despite my very poor track record, I need to do something about our neglected yard, because there’s no way hubby is going to do it. I’m starting small with a little grass area we have between the deck and a retaining wall. The grass dies there in the summer whether we water it or not and my theory is that the afternoon sun reflects off that wall and just kills everything with the heat.

I’d like to plant some native grass where the lawn used to be and I was thinking I could grow vines on the wall to stop it from turning into a solar oven. I’d like to plant something that flowers next to the deck as well but I’m not sure what. That area faces northeast and gets sun until mid to late afternoon.

I’d prefer California natives but I’m not hung up on that or anything. I’d like something easy care since I’m bad at gardening. We’re in a wildfire area so it would be good if it was somewhat fire-resistant and not something that deer would gobble up since we get deer in our yard quite often. Since it will be next to grass it will be watered regularly though not as often as standard lawn if it’s a native grass. Any ideas for vines and/or edging would be appreciated! We’re in zone 9a.

Here's a photo of the now very weedy and dry area:

Featured Answer

Beginning Gardener
Original Author

6 years ago

Great, thank you so much! I've got something close to a plan now! :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Susan Highland USDA Zone 9b
6 years ago
I had those days with no hubby and a horrible back yard. I got an inheritance, hired a landscaper, and magic happened. Maybe get a price from a landscaper. Hubby might wake up! Other than that, do you have a watering system? That would be first on the list. Most plants, including ground cover need water. Could you edit your profile to show what zone you are in? Or maybe just location? That would help. Looks like you are in a hot, dry spot in California.
Beginning Gardener
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the reply! We are in zone 9a near Grass Valley, CA. Yes, it is very hot and dry. We do have sprinklers set up to water that part of the lawn but we turned them off this year after it became obvious that the only things really growing there were weeds. I'm considering it all a blank slate at this point. Unfortunately, we can't really afford to hire a landscaper right now, so I'm tackling this on my own.
Related Professionals
Wichita Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Morgan City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Orlando Landscape Contractors · Enid Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Grand Rapids Landscape Contractors · Nashua Landscape Contractors · Oneonta Landscape Contractors · Rutland Landscape Contractors · Sheboygan Landscape Contractors · Cedar Rapids Architects & Building Designers · Lawrence Architects & Building Designers · North Adams Architects & Building Designers · Scranton Architects & Building Designers · La Crosse Architects & Building Designers
Susan Highland USDA Zone 9b
6 years ago
It looks to me like you need some shade. California Pepper trees are a bit messy, but they provide that. You can probably find them cheap at Home Depot or Lowes. Also the old dependable Mexican fan palm. They dont need much water and you can probably dig them up free by the side of the road. I'd put an oasis of those. 3 over here, and 2 over there and string a hammock between. Good luck to you. A landscaper might give you ideas along with an estimate. There is no obligation to buy.
Beginning Gardener thanked Susan Highland USDA Zone 9b
Beginning Gardener
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you. Any suggestions for what I might be able to grow next to the deck? I was thinking lavender, but once I've replaced the grass and am watering regularly again, I don't know if it would be too wet for something like lavender.
Susan Highland USDA Zone 9b
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Our lavender. rosemary and oregano get watered every other day and thrive in the sun. Lantana is a pretty flowering plant that is very drought tolerant. Geraniums also. Your neighbors might have some to share with you. They grow if you just stick a cutting in the ground and give it a little water. Society Garlic is also good. AND you can eat it.
Beginning Gardener thanked Susan Highland USDA Zone 9b
ginjj
6 years ago
Lucky you - that you've discovered GardenWeb. It's been my place to ask questions on lots of topics for 20 years.

My gift to you is two things - Peaceful Valley Farm Supply is a wonderful nursery with classes and more knowledge to share than you could imagine. Secondly I have in my hand a book written by a long time resident of the Grass Valley area who was an avid gardener. She wrote gardening articles for the local newspaper. Her book is "The Seasoned Gardener" by Carolyn Singer. It is still on Amazon for about $20 used, it is well with it! Unfortunately I just read that Carolyn passed away last year but thank goodness her wisdom, ideas and enthusiasm will carry on.

Look at the gardens in your area, on foot and in the car. When you see things you like take a picture and ring the bell if you are so inclined. People where I live love to talk about their gardens. I will say that summer is not the time to see most plants in their glory,at least not where I live in zone 9b. Spring is when plants shine so be patient, go on the tours, look at your neighbors gardens etc. you will get lots of ideas.

Go on the "Native Plant Garden Tour" next spring. Here's the link to give you an idea. You will get great ideas! Sign up now to be on their mailing list so you will know the date it will be held. It's a wonderful way to get ideas and it's free.

California Native Plant Society

Peaceful Valley Garden Supply/ Grow Organic.com

Carolyn Singer wonderful gardener in Grass Valley

Have fun!

Ginny
ginjj
6 years ago
Here is Carolyn Singer's website filled with wonderful ideas for your area.

http://www.carolynsingergardens.com/