California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Native to open areas in grasslands, and chaparral and woodlands, from the California Floristic Province to southern Washington, Nevada and New Mexico Our well-known state poppies wave in the wind, attracting pollinators who literally roll with joy in the bright cups of pollen — while its quintessential color proudly shouts “California.” Annuals are particularly helpful in a young garden. They fill in spaces, brighten corners and draw wildlife into the garden. As the garden matures, the trees, shrubs and ground covers get larger and annuals are pushed out. In my garden I maintain some small areas where I can continue to enjoy the exuberance of annuals. Plant poppies where you don’t mind them spreading by seed. They are highly successful, so you will find them moving themselves from the backyard to the front yard or anywhere there is space for them. Some consider them weedy, so use discretion when planting. See how to grow California poppy
Botanical name: Rosa ‘Sally Holmes’ Common name: Sally Holmes Rose Breed: Hybrid Musk Ballerina and Ivory Fashion Rose USDA zones: 5-9 Water requirement: Regular Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: Climbing to 15 feet; can be trained as a shrub Tolerances: Disease, shade and heat Perhaps this would go well at home entry with water feature and wooden artifact from Borneo.
Botanical name: Iris 'Pacific Coast' Common names: Pacific Coast Iris (PCI), Pacificas USDA zones: 7-10 (Check out the new interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map) Water requirement: Moderate to none in summer Sun requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 6-24" tall Tolerances: Summer drought See story pictures for color variety. This picture chosen to remind me that iris would look good on top of a block wall.
Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow' (zones 5 to 9). Are these colors for real? Slim variegated leaves cascade down the length of the 3-foot stems in a rainbow of colors — dark green to yellow to red. During the cooler months of spring and fall, the leaves become especially ornamental, blushing even more vibrant shades of pink. Spring also brings the flowers — a cluster of chartreuse cyathiums with only the slightest glimpse of red. And while this particular plant flowers in spring and summer, its prismatic foliage is evergreen.
Euphorbia 'Blackbird' (zones 6 to 10). In tune with the name, the dusty dark foliage of Blackbird reaches a deep black when planted in full sun. Red and yellow-green flowers top the shrub in spring, picking up and highlighting accent colors of surrounding plants and garden features. This low-maintenance, high-impact shrub grows to 3 feet tall and is the perfect segue into bold garden color for gardeners who typically prefer neutral landscapes.
Build a bug box. Bees and bugs are resourceful when it comes to where they live, but we can also make things a little easier for them. Gather plant clippings and leftover wood from your yard to build a backyard bug habitat for local critters. This thoughtful craft project encourages everyone to ask questions about who we share our ecosystems with and how we all fit together in the big picture.
At the west end of the garden is another steel trash can, but this one is half buried in the dirt. “There are so many ways to compost that are truly brainless; they’re so easy,” says Ockerlander. “This is just a small bin with holes drilled on the bottom and sides. I throw kitchen scraps and yard waste in here, put the top on, and use a bungee cord to keep the raccoons out. Worms come in through the holes, and soon I have this great rich compost full of worm casings. Then I just spread it back in the garden.”
Bath Garden Who doesn’t love a relaxing soak in the tub? Always have ingredients for your next soak available when you grow a bath garden. Create tub teas, aromatherapy sachets, herbal massage oils or salves for dry skin. What to plant in a bath garden: Lavender, calendula, chamomile, rosemary and mint.
Tisane Garden If you love sipping herb tisanes, why not have a tisane garden? You can choose your favorite herbs, make your own blends and save money in the process. Use herbs fresh from the garden to make tisanes or dry them. What to plant in a tisane garden: Lemon balm (seen drying here), peppermint, lemon verbena, chamomile, bee balm and yerba buena.
What to plant in an edible flower garden: Nasturtium, lavender, violets, pansies and Johnny-jump-ups all have edible blooms. Rose petals are edible as well, though the flavor varies from plant to plant. In the vegetable beds, squash blossoms can be harvested and are delicious when stuffed and fried, or tucked into a quesadilla. Be safe and remember to keep pesticides off edible plants.
What I me of year would these grow in the back garden. Since native plants are accustomed to local living conditions, they are water efficient and require little maintenance once they are established. California poppies, the state flower, are in full bloom in the front yard. The flower’s rich, golden color matches the wood siding perfectly.
9. Place pots in existing beds. This is a great way to use pots as a sculptural element, but choosing which plants to place inside each vessel can be tricky. Treherne takes a location- and climate-specific approach. “For instance, if it’s an area where the pottery is making a statement, I might use a more unusual plant to catch the eye,” she says. “In general, though, I am thinking about performance over time. There are some plants that just do well in pots.” As a general rule of thumb, Treherne suggests avoiding plants with high water needs and using varieties suited for your climate. More: How to get the right soil mix for your container garden
These look good with purple... The yellow flowers are called Achillea plants or more commonly known as Yarrow. They are a dependable, low maintenance perennial plant needing sun. They have fernlike leaves & come in a variety of colors. Yarrows are good for cutting & for drying. They will spread but is easily controlled.
7. Add a gate. Bold transitions are desirable to make dramatic statements in some cases. Gates can be aesthetically useful when a garden is too predictable and needs to be injected with interest, or when two distinctly different garden spaces adjoin. In either case why settle for an ordinary, mundane gate when, with just a bit more effort, you could add something unexpected and unique? Scouring antique shops, import stores and architectural salvage warehouses can yield a treasure trove of possibilities. More: Browse thousands of inspiring gates
6. Create different levels. Terracing a space can result in both logical and dramatic transitions. The added third dimension allows for more diversity in themes and activities within a confined space. You will notice a surprising number of substrates in this yard, from the gray concrete pads to the tan gravel to the turf. What keeps all of this from being overpowering? The answer lies in the varying heights, masterfully woven together with bands of Cor-Ten steel that mimic the color of the house siding.
4. Become reacquainted with color flow. Think back to middle school science class. Do you remember learning about Roy G. Biv? This initialism was an easy way to remember natural color flow, the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. This same color flow can create a natural and peaceful transition in the garden. Notice the vibrant yet tranquil progression of color in this well-designed prairie-style garden. Red flows effortlessly into orange, which in turn flows into yellow. Wouldn't the introduction of a pink or violet flower be an unwelcome intrusion? Become reacquainted with Roy G. Biv. Your garden will be a better place because of it.
1. Reimagine your hardscape and bed lines. Serpentine lines both invoke the imagination and have a relaxing effect upon the mind. In art theory this shape is referred to as the line of beauty. It infuses a composition with vitality, as opposed to straight lines, which signify death or inanimate objects. This bluestone walkway seems to be endless, disappearing around the bend. Don't you wonder what lies beyond?
An oasis of calm, this Buddha seems right at home meditating among the potted plants in a Los Angeles garden. Note the signature elongated ears, which signify Buddha’s ability to be all-hearing....how would this work on a rock hill or with a screen or plant background? Consider small area with potted plants and hanging birdbath and plants.
10. Bench with a view. What garden is complete without a bench? Before positioning yours, take the time to consider both what you will see from the bench and what views you will have of the bench from elsewhere in the yard. Consider a view of a water element or vegetable garden, or position a bench at the end of a winding path that can be seen from the house. I will not have the trees so will need to focus on other elements of the garden.
Bird perch across the water.
Vertical garden screen
Basic design for the garden hanger. Glass ball...also think about hanging glass balls from single wooden cross bar.
Wooden beam make great holder for vertical garden...love those rock climbers. One could find some interesting rocks, or glass balls, or other hanging paraphanaila. This could be changed at different times of the year when plants were not in bloom. Sweet peas would be great for Summer. Glass ball...also think about hanging glass balls from single wooden cross bar.
6. Hanging birdbath. Love birdbaths but need to keep your feathered friends away from the felines? Try a hanging birdbath. The birds will love being out of harm’s way, and the hanging bath will provide visual interest. Note the hanging pearls next to the bird bath...what are these pots hanging on? Glass ball...also think about hanging glass balls from single wooden cross bar.
4. Colorful trellis. Why stick with plain wood when you can have glossy purple, chartreuse or fire engine red? Make a bold color choice with your trellises and watch your garden come to life.
Remember: Do NOTHING in your garden for ONE YEAR...think, plan, see what your garden does on its own.
Did not think about this...save the wildlife!
Sculpture for water.
I want to have wildlife in my little mini-forest.
Hide a sacred space for alone time...put a big plant in front of it so it catches one by surprise.
I like this concept of plant two close together, and then skip a space and plant again.
Contrast!
Love the idea of putting this in a rock garden to contrast with greens or Japanese Maples...nice way to carry a Borneo Black theme across the garden if we go with the Borneo Black outdoor furniture we already have.
Like the grass in black pots with texture design on outside...might go well with black bifold Borneo screens.
Dymondia Margaretae - Grass replacement/rock garden/paver filler...Looks great with these deep reds, pinks, and bright daisies with dark centers.
Since dymondia margaretae is gray green, it will need some color as a contrast.
Like the idea of adding driftwood...even in California, to remind me of times on the Oregon Coast.
Grass replacement/rock garden/paver filler
This is what dymondia margaretae looks like when first planted.
Grass replacement/rock garden/paver filler
Grass replacement/rock garden/paver filler...check on amount of water required.
Grass replacement/rock garden/paver filler
I want this plant, but not the surrounding desert background.
I have always liked the black contrast against grey-green...the greenish yellow color behind the agave is unattractive...what would be a good background plant for these colors?
Love these fall colors...get a hay bale and use it as a fall table. Use the hay for some ecological project when winter arrives.
This could be great in a bathroom...love the natural neutrals.
simple lighting idea...perhaps flexible with other types of lighting...tea lights, etc. to keep wind away from lights
Nature's design, and a way to partly create our garden from Mesa.
Great idea...would reflect glass, or some unique artwork, not human sculpture...perhaps Larry could design something.
The art pieces can be changed...can use glass pieces from chandeliers or prisms.
Simple greeery with key design...large pot is cool, like backdrop of fence...could decorate fence hiding the raised bed. Consider pot idea on rod iron over back fence gate using heat resistant plants.
Do pomegranates grow in Elk Grove.
Drought tolerant plants colors:
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