As a landscape designer in San Diego County, one of my greatest concerns when approaching a new project is water usage. We live in a desert region and have experienced years of drought. As the population of our state continues to grow, our limited water resources will become more and more strained.

One of the ways we can cut back on water usage is with Xeriscape designs.

Xeriscape is a landscape design method that focuses on reducing water usage. This can be accomplished by planting climate-friendly, water-efficient plants, updating to more efficient irrigation methods,  putting down water-trapping mulch and more.

Xeriscape is a very high priority for me. I believe in planting for the existing environment, not in spite of it. It is painful to see some homeowners and institutions who insist on creating lush, water-gulping gardens that need constant care in order to survive a harsh environment, especially when there are plenty of beautiful, healthy plants that can thrive with much less water.

Fortunately, many homeowners are beginning to make water conservation a priority. For these homeowners, low water landscaping can provide a beautiful result, cut back significantly on water usage and save water costs each month. Along with proper selection and placement of plants, xeriscapes can also significantly reduce maintenance expense.

There is no singular strategy behind creating a xeriscape design. Rather, there are many different tactics that can be applied depending on the homeowner’s goal, design tastes and the specific features of their yard.

Here are some common xeriscape tactics:

• Drought-Resistant Plants: Use climate-friendly plants  -  California natives or plants from other Mediterranean climates.  There is an incredible array of plants that thrive in Southern California’s dry environment.
• Soil-Plant Balance: Soil has a lot of do with water capture and retention. In a xeriscape, we use plants that match the characteristics of the soil.  In some cases it’s advisable to improve the soil characteristics.
• Mulch:  Mulch allows water to percolate into the soil beneath, shades the soil and helps keep plant roots moist and cool; it improves soil structure for better nutrient and water retention. Mulch can be made from wood chips, plant grindings, gravel, rocks and many other substances, making it a versatile material that can complement different landscape designs.
• Efficient Irrigation: There are a variety of irrigation methods that can improve water utility. Personally, I recommend drip irrigation, a process where water is fed directly to each plant rather than sprayed across a wide area. Other water-saving irrigation methods include adjusting sprinklers each season or installing rain sensors that shut down sprinklers during or after rain. There are also automated irrigation controllers available that tap into state-wide climate data and calculate the necessary amount of irrigation water.
• Plant-Zone Balance: Every yard includes zones where the sun and shade differ throughout the day. As a designer, I like to map out these different “hydrozones” and recommend plants that prefer those specific environments. For instance, I would recommend sun-loving drought-tolerant plants for areas of the yard that get a lot of sun and heat during the day.

All-in-all, xeriscaping is an important part of what I do as a landscape designer. It feels good to put together gardens and yard designs that honor Southern California’s dry environment and help protect our precious water resources.

When you look into your front yard and backyard what do you see? A beautiful, sweeping vista of plants and colors or just a big pool surrounded by plain grass?

Think about how much time and effort you spent decorating your house; turning it into a unique place that reflects your tastes and preferences. Your front and back yards deserve a similar treatment. If you’ve just got a carpet of grass with little or no landscaping, you are missing out on what could be an amazing, dramatic and relaxing extension of your home.

It’s time to get in touch with your inner plantsmanship.

What’s plantsmanship? It’s a character trait that involves the celebration of plants. A grass yard or a yard completely taken up by a pool and barbeque doesn’t present a colorful, texturized environment. Plants add these features. They also help express your unique character and bring your yard to life, literally!

Throughout my many years as a landscape designer in San Diego County, I’ve found so many ways to use different plants to design a front or backyard retreat homeowners enjoy spending time in. Trees can cast shade, succulents provide color and require little maintenance and water.  Bamboo can add dimensional texture as well as a natural privacy wall.

These are just a few examples of how plants can help homeowners design their yards with purpose. This is plantsmanship.

How do you get plantsmanship? It’s easy. Just open your eyes and start looking around you. You’ll begin to notice the plants in your neighbor’s yards and how they function in the overall design of the yard. Ask your neighbors the names of the plants you like and then do a basic Google search to learn more about what environment the plant requires, how much maintenance it needs to thrive and how it grows.

If you live in San Diego or Southern California, it’s especially important to learn about the water needs of a plant before you put it in your backyard garden. You’ll most likely want to look into drought-resistant plants, which will require less water and maintenance.

Take some time and gather information naturally. I also recommend that you visit a local botanical garden and a local nursery to get even more ideas and great information. I volunteer at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon and love answering questions.

Once you feel your plantsmanship growing (pun intended), it’s time to start planting. Begin with a small project, maybe just one side of the house and see how it goes. As you gain more confidence and a better understanding of how outdoor design works, you might want to take on your whole yard.

If that seems too intimidating, you can always call a landscape designer like myself to help you create something truly magical. Landscape designers are experts at helping homeowners turn a plain yard into a destination full of color and natural beauty.

Tune into your plantsmanship, and go out and make your yard beautiful!

A traditional "zero-scape"

Congratulations to Jeanie and Lee in Scripps Ranch, for their resolve and their love of plants.  Going from a lawn-centered “zero-scape” to a garden alive with xeriscape plants with beautiful colors and textures, and doing this with their own landscape ideas and muscle power demands respect.

Hoping to qualify for San Diego’s rebates for turfgrass removal and the installation of a micro-irrigation system, they discussed the how-to with a City inspector and put a design together.  Here’s where Jeanie called me in to review her design and desired plants.

Lawn gone

Assessing soil, micro-climate and the slightly sloping terrain I found that her wish list had excellent “bones” in it that needed few adjustments.

Almost finished

The permanent features to remain were the concrete turf edge, the edged planter beds and the palm trees (they would have their own irrigation). I recommended importing several large boulders which would help “ground” the landscape.

To add volume where the palm trees are only accents I suggested a couple of small trees, on both sides of the house;  here Jeanie chose 2 ‘Catawba’ Crape Myrtles, one of them a multi-trunk specimen.

As we were fine-tuning her design and discussed longer-blooming low maintenance plants,  Jeanie said that she likes to garden and is not averse to some maintenance, such as deadheading the Early Sunrise Coreopsis periodically to encourage new bloom.

Early Sunrise Coreopsis

I explained that Gazania would not be attractive long enough during the seasons. Instead I suggested Ghost Plant Graptopetalum paraguayense, an elegant, slowly spreading succulent whose grey-pinkish rosettes would make a pleasing connection with Coreopsis, Walker’s Low Catmint and Gaura, all on Jeanie’s list of favorites.

Catmint Walker's Low

Ghost Plant

For a captivating contrast to the frilly perennials we added several Foxtail Agave A. attenuata and ornamental grasses; for me the grasses are matchless in adding a relaxed and naturalistic, almost mysterious feeling to the landscape.  Here Jeanie picked a short Purple Fountain-grass variety in a local nursery.

Airy Purple Fountain Grass

Complimenting the drought resistant plants would be a  Dwarf Yaupon Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’ that I hadn’t used myself.  My research showed that it might need a bit more water than the other plants, but Jeanie wanted to give it a try.  This shrub, at 3-5 ft high/wide, develops a refined, attractive appearance with careful pruning  -  a task that she looks forward to.

Completed

And the cost?  Jeanie and Lee invested about $3,200 on materials plus $1,200 on labor to help Lee; the rebates should amount to about $1,070.  Not bad for a diy landscape that can save them 60 to 70% water and is so pleasing to look at.  As one of their friends exclaimed who came by and admired their achievement: “This front yard is so much alive!”

Read about the City’s rebate program:  http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/residentialoutdoor.shtml

Tom Jesch's water-wise roses at Carmel Mountain Plaza San Diego

“Drought tolerant”, “desert plant species”, “drought resistant landscaping” – that’s not for me, you might think: Giving up on your roses might be a thought too painful to contemplate. And what you have heard about xeriscape designs seems to be a lot of “zero-scape” to you… Roses are thirsty – aren’t they?

I noticed the water-drop symbol by the names of many roses at WATER WISE BOTANICALS in Escondido (formerly Daylily Hill).  That meant that these are “water-wise” – what are these roses about?

Tom Jesch of WaterWise Botanicals explained to me that we can indeed create a lush yet water-wise garden without depriving ourselves of these beauties.  Have you ever noticed, along old highways in California, old abandoned farmhouses that still have a large rose bush clambering up its side? Nobody has cared for it in decades, and yet it still thriving. So what’s the secret?

The right selection

At Waterwise Botanicals, the roses with the water-drop symbol are the best of their shrub roses- those that flower the best, are most durable and the most water-wise.
English and Austin roses tend to be less water-wise, as well as many of the older European, double and heavily petaled varieties, or ones that have a growth characteristic very similar to Hybrid Teas.

Nearly Wild

The right establishment

For the first 2 weeks after planting: Water your roses almost every day, and deeply; thus they get their roots down deeply. Add extra nitrogen fertilizer for the first 3-6 months to develop lush foliage.

For the next weeks/lasting 2-3 months: Go to a deep watering schedule: 2 days on, 2 days off, 1 day on, 1 day off, and then repeat that cycle. It’s the repeated deep watering that gets the roots deep so that eventually the watering cycle can be stretched.

After 2-3 months: Go to a cycle that is 2 days on (or 2 cycles on 1 day, 1 morning/1 evening), then 5-6 days off; repeat cycle.

If you keep this schedule for the first 1-2 years (consider also how dry your weather is; wet winters speed up the establishment of your plants) you will have established roses that can do very well by receiving a good deep watering (two days in a row, or twice in one day) and then off, for up to 10 days or more, during the hottest part of the summer, in most California coastal, and coastal inland valleys.

For your next project, consider these (these look more like Rockroses without their early demise and unruly spread):

Rose Nearly Wild  (see above);   height 2’ by 3’ spread; hardy to -15° . Full to part sun.  Rose pink, white center blooms during spring to fall.

Sharon's Delight

Rose Sharon’s Delight.  Height 2′ , width 3′.  Hardy to -15°; full to part sun. White blooms during spring to fall.

Visit the fabulous demonstrations gardens and naturalistic pond at WaterWise Botanicals, and see many more exciting roses at www.waterwisebotanicals.com

We all want a beautiful backyard and front yard that is more than functional. We want to be able to relax and play in it without a lot of work and upkeep. The last thing we want is a front yard landscape design or a backyard landscape design that is expensive, doesn’t include low maintenance plants and requires a lot of water.

As the owner of a landscaping business in San Diego, I see many backyard gardens that do not show any plantsmanship whatsoever.  Most of them have been created by San Diego landscapers doing residential landscape design that relies on a limited palette and series of plant combinations. Some of these plant palettes were developed in times when water was cheap or for environments that were not so water conscious as Southern California.

These manufactured landscapes are nothing more than soulless plant and hardscape envelopes around the house.

This isn’t what most homeowners want. I specialize in xeriscape landscape designs. Xeriscape is a special landscaping technique that focuses on reducing water needs while maintaining the overall beauty and lushness of backyard and front yard gardens. Reducing water usage often requires using drought-resistant plants, instituting low volume irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and carefully designing the overall landscape to preserve and utilize as much water as possible.

When designed with the right plants and proper layout, a low water landscape can be stress-free and easy to maintain. Gardening in a San Diego xeriscape will create an intimate relationship between the homeowner and their plants and will help them reconnect with nature without breaking their backs or killing the entire weekend.

As a passionate drought-resistant landscape designer in San Diego, I have created a DIY list for homeowners looking to improve their front yard and/or backyard landscape design as well as help develop a xeriscape-friendly landscape.

• Limit your hardscape design (the hard surfaces of patio, decks, walkways, walls, edges etc.) to the minimum without restricting comfortable movement in them.
• Use quality landscaping block, landscaping brick, colored textured concrete, flagstones, wood etc.
• Identify sun/shade areas in your garden, its soil quality and especially its soil drainage: It will tell you which type of plants work best in your garden.
• Smart water irrigation components will help you keep the water needs of your backyard and front yard low. Seek help from your local water agency.
• Consider landscape lighting ideas with quality low-voltage fixtures so that you can see your garden in the evening – even from inside the house.
• Get a garden reference book:  The Sunset Western Garden is an indispensable resource for gardeners in Southern California. It includes information on most of the plants locally available, whether tropical, California natives, or desert plant species. It also shows landscape design photos, examples of garden styles, photos of desertscapes as well as guidelines for soil preparation, pruning, fertilizing…
• Planting design:  Identify different use areas if your front yard and backyard. Consider maintenance, water and space needs for each type of plant in your yard.
• Are you ready to play now? If you run into a snag, find inspiration at the Water Conservation Garden, El Cajon and the San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas.  See also A Homeowner’s Guide to a Water Smart Landscape by the SD County Water Authority.

The pond is the focal point of this small back yard

Good things come in small packages!

I invite you to my upcoming class at the  Water Conservation  Garden in El Cajon next Saturday. Learn how to create a sparkling jewel of a landscape for your condominium, cottage, side yard, or smaller front or backyard.

I will share important principles of design to consider before beginning your project, show you inspiring visual examples of completed projects, and answer your questions about how to make the most of your small space garden.

This class will also be helpful for people wanting to divide larger landscape plans in to manageable sized projects.

Saturday September 24, 2011,   10am – 12 pm.

Register here:  http://www.thegarden.org/calendar/index.php

Comfort, water trickle and colorful foliage beckon in this condo garden.

Here’s the 3rd installment to my earlier series of out-of-the-ordinary fence and gate designs.  Look at these creations – aren’t they amazing?  I found those on my recent trip to Missoula MT – and as you can see, there is no limit to the ideas and materials that can be used for diy landscape design projects – “re-purposed” or brand-new.   I don’t think the creators here have thought too hard about “sustainability”  or longevity – these are unabashedly temporary, ephemeral, fun.  If you feel inspired to build your own creation and like to share a photo of it, I’d be more than happy to post it here.

A wagon wheel makes a decorative fence element

Bamboo and plywood gate with star-shaped window paired in an original combination

Re-purposed glass bottles, pebbles and incidental tree used in gabbion fence

Empty glass bottles catching the light in this gabbion fence

Bed-frame-and-willow-fence

Windows framing view through fence and gate

Traditional iceplant landscape

Achieving water savings and creating satisfying drought resistant landscaping are probably THE most important services I provide to homeowners.

Here’s a case study of how both goals were reached for Liz and Rick in Escondido:
Feeling the pinch of an ever-increasing water bill, Liz and Rick were ready “to do something” about their conventional ice-plant expanse, and they contracted with Nature Designs Landscaping in Vista, CA, one of the landscaping companies in San Diego that are experts in drought resistant landscaping.

I have worked with Steve Jacobs before on similar xeriscape designs.  He felt that I would be a good fit for the naturalistic style and relaxed outdoor living that Liz and Rick prefer, as I share their interest in exceptional desert plant species that demand little maintenance.

Colorful and drought resistant

We agreed to create several related themes for this garden: The ‘Contemporary California Mix’ at the entrance has the most color but also interesting contrast of texture and form: Narrow-pointy blades of Kangaroo Paws, Daylilies and Evergold Sedge contrast with the rounded form and fleshy texture of such succulents as Cotyledon, Echeverias and Dudleyas. Feathery Cassia, Myrtle and Texas Ranger give structure; Strawberry Tree, Willow Wattle and Chitalpa create an overhead canopy and “anchor” the home.

On the slopes farther away, we created a native California theme: Ceanothus and Mountain Mahoganies screen the pool garden; at the bottom of the slope grows a pretty mix of Bush Poppy, Sages, California Wild Rye, California Fuchsia and other perennials.

Desert plant species

For Liz’s impressive collection of succulents and cacti that included Aloes, Agaves, an Ocotillo, Hesperaloe and a Zamia, I designed a “desert garden”, mounded it up and top-dressed it with attractive rock and gravel. It is placed in a large area in the back garden that had previously been lawn.

Their south-west facing back garden also saw significant change: Here we placed four raised vegetable beds in a star-shaped arrangement, accessible on all sides on clean D(ecomposed) G(ranite). Many fruit trees also grow in this “production area” whose entrance is marked by an arbor.

A backyard landscape design

Collaborating with Liz and Rick and Nature Designs Landscaping was very satisfying because of our shared goals: Gain significant water savings; make this landscape fun to contemplate and a pleasure to live and garden in as Liz and Rick continue to add new plant finds.

There are also more measurable signs of success: Since installation a year ago, the drought resistant plants have grown significantly, thanks to drip irrigation and several inches of mulch. In that time Liz and Rick have saved close to 60% compared to their previous year’s water consumption while enjoying edible pay-back in their vegetable garden. Nature Designs was honored with an achievement award at the recent California Landscape Contractors Association Annual Beautification Awards for this project, and I am grateful to share this honor as the designer.

I have a passion for drought tolerant plants, and on one of my last visits to Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas (now San Diego Botanic Garden) I was attracted to a plant that looked it would fit the bill:  Growing in pure gravel, in the heat of summer, surrounded by other succulents and cacti it was producing cheerful blue-purple flowers.  This was one that I had to try out myself, and I have since  fallen in love with it.

Some call this South African succulent perennial Lobster Flower, but it also goes under the names of Green Aroma, Dogbane, or Spur Flower; its botanic name is Plectranthus neochilus.  In my hot inland garden  it’s now entering its second summer, and it has proven to be all that I would want from a plant that I select to embellish my or my clients’ water-wise garden.  It is hands-down attractive with fuzzy, slightly scalloped pale green aromatic foliage that stays under 6 inches tall in the full sun with little supplemental water but can get taller in the shade with enough water.

Bloom:  With enough sun it blooms almost year-round with about 3 to 6 inch tall spikelets  along which fragrant blue-purple tubular flowers are arranged that rise above the foliage; in the hot summer sun it is a relief to see that cool intense color. 

Spread: Mine have spread, starting from a cutting a year ago, to about a foot and a half wide, and they are supposed to continue slowly as the seasons go by. (Propagation from cuttings is extremely easy:  Just break off a stem of about 4-5 inches length, remove the lower leaves on 1-2 inches, snip off the flowers, then let dry in a shaded place for a couple of days.  Then plant in moist succulent mix, water in and let sit in partial shade for several weeks [don't forget to keep moist].  I would not plant it out into the garden until the nights are cooler again;  otherwise, the young roots might get burned in the hot soil during the summer months).

Soil:  The Dogbane or Lobster Flower, like most xeriscape plants,  needs well draining soil (although I have the feeling that with careful watering it would also do well in heavier soil).

Use:  It can be planted at the foreground of a planting bed as colorful ground cover; in the shade it is attractive as well.  It drapes nicely over any edging and would make also an attractive plant for hanging baskets or containers.

Hardiness:  It is hardy to around 30 degrees; mine were hit a bit by frost, but the damaged branches were easily removed.

Deer/rabbit resistance:  Some sources say that it is deer resistant; rabbits have not touched mine so far.

Water/light needs: It tolerates considerable amount of drought and neglect, and although it prefers full sun or partial shade, it does well in the dry shade also where it makes an attractive ground cover.  I would find it an irresistible addition to any desert garden.

With all these attributes, this little perennial is an adorable, rugged and pretty ground cover for the water-conserving, sustainable landscape.  What more could you want from a garden friend?