Tips for Planning your Drought Friendly Yard
Choose Your Plants Wisely
Key to designing a drought-tolerant yard is choosing plants that are able to endure California’s summer temperatures and that require little water for half of the year once they are planted.
Consider picking plants that are native to California or regions with Mediterranean climates. Plants that are naturally occurring in these climates will react positively to the conditions and experience fewer complications from little water or soil. They will also have a positive impact on attracting bees and butterflies beneficial to local plants and crops.
You can still have color! Lavender, for example, does well on little water, is native, and welcoming to hummingbirds and other local bees that help to pollinate the flowers in your garden as well as others. More colorful options include: Geraniums, Kangaroo paw, Pride of Madeira, Trumpet vines, and Wild Lilac.Be sure to check out P&L garden center for expert advice and customer service.
Central Valley Landscaping Plants
Take a look at some examples of native, Central California drought friendly plants.
Common Yarrow
‘Breeze’ dwarf mat rush
Fountain Grass
Four-wing Saltbush
Wild Lilac
Palmer’s Indian Mallow
Creeping rosemary
Mexican Feather grass
Steps to planning your drought tolerant yard
Choosing your drought-tolerant ground cover and plants
Laying compost and mulch in the garden to regenerate and protect natural soil
Incorporate river rock, pavers, raised beds, or gravel to break up areas.
Seek advice and local expertise from a knowledgeable garden center like P&L (https://www.plconcrete.net/garden-center), Morris Nursery (https://www.morrisnursery.com) or Swift Lawn and Garden (https://swiftlawnandgarden.com) or Green Thumb landscaping (http://www.greenthumblands.net)