Help! I need ideas for the front of my house!

5 years ago

i pksted pics of my juniper trees by the entryway and was told i should replace them. The other bushes were also targeted for replacement. I live in northern california. Around 40 miles inland. It gets very hot during the summer and is prone to drought.. i would like some low maintenance landscaping!

Featured Answer

Christopher CNC

5 years ago

I highly recommend you go visit some of the closest independent local garden centers to you. Browse and fondle the plants. Talk to the help. They will know what will grow for you. I feel certain there will be a lot of good choices.

Design wise I would be looking at dwarf shrubs and hardy perennials. I feel certain there will be a lot of good choices.

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Comments (6)

starnold
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Agapanthus, nandina, flax, mexican sage, rosemary, podacapus, crepe myrtle, ceanothus. Look for more ideas here:

https://inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/garden-styles/simplemediterraneangarden/

You might also consider having the low growing existing shrubs, which appear to be doing well, hard pruned and returned to their natural growth pattern leaving them in place. I have lived in that climate, Landscaping is expensive and plants often struggle in the climate, if it were me I would not remove anything that is doing well and can be saved.
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Christopher CNC
5 years ago
The low growing existing undulating shrub tube between the arborvitae look like they might be a juniper. It's hard to tell meatballs apart. Juniper can not be hard pruned and rejuvenated.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
California Friendly water-wise plant lists
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"undulating shrub tube". haha, best description ever.

maybe it's not in your plans, but I would consider painting the stucco and brick too. the red bricks with red roof and tan siding is kind of 70s looking to me (sorry!). you might even be able to stucco over the bricks for a more consistent look (IDK, ask an expert).

I'm so happy you're considering environmentally responsible landscaping options! go to local nurseries which will help you find the right kinds of plants. native plants will be the lowest maintenance and happiest in your particular zone, and they benefit birds as well!

(edited because I just realized you said northern california.)
gobluedjm 9/18 CA
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Oh wow, very boring. Previous homeowner definately wasn't into gardening.

I agree go to a local nursery not a big box store for advice. Take the pictures and any watering it gets and sun exposure. Pick up a Western Garden book. Most nurseries I frequent have one to double check while there.

Any natives will need water first 2 years.

Your local water company might have a website...mine does.

Socal sites below, will work for you for hot dry drought tolerant etc:

https://www.bewaterwise.com/

https://www.santaclaritagardens.com/

https://www.laspilitas.com/

http://www.mynativeplants.com/

https://www.nativeson.com/

https://www.wildscaping.com/index.htm