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home & garden

TODD M . DAV I D S ON

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COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

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late afternoon light

begins to cast long shadows and amber rays, illuminating the plants and wildlife it graces with a magical glow. There’s no denying it – fall on the Central Coast has arrived: a time for romance, reflection, and enjoying the outdoors in the still warm days and cool evenings.

As fall beckons us to enjoy the grand garden around us, it also invites us to venture back into our home

“Meandering dusty trails with golden hay straw crunching delicately under foot…”

gardens with fresh perspectives. And this time of year is unquestionably the best for planting in our climate.

Temperatures are cooling, but soils are still warm enough for root development. Highly-anticipated winter rains will be perfect for plant establishment. Thankfully, taskheavy maintenance activities such as weeding, mowing, and pruning decrease, lending extra time to reflect on what performed well in your garden last season, what did not, and what interesting new plants you should add during the best planting period. As my former horticulture professor encouraged, when adding new plants in the garden, it is important to view the garden as a whole, like an essay.

Sometimes major “editing” is necessary to clear out tired perennials and senescent sub-shrubs and begin with fresh plant

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materials.

Choosing the right plants for this exceptional environment, however, can be a challenge. Our deep seasonal epochs of warm, dry months, followed by cool, wet winters, definitive of our Mediterranean climate, create a very unique floristic province.

Luckily, we have a great model to guide us: nature. Consider your next hike or nature walk to be a stroll through a giant showroom of plants perfectly suited to thrive in your own garden. For instance,

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a hike up one of our local geological gems, such as San Luis

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Mountain, Bishop’s Peak, or La Cuesta Grade offers an imposing perspective of our native flora thriving, even during this dry time of year. Meandering dusty trails with golden hay straw crunching delicately under foot reveals plants that have not only survived, but

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are blooming.

Each year, our native flora flourishes, surviving summer droughts and breaking through the dry soil, making fall in this region

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especially spectacular. Though visitors from the East Coast

may comment on our lack of seasonality, a closer look at California’s Central Coast will reveal our own dramatic autumnal show. While in the east, leaves stunningly change color as their chlorophyll breaks down to unmask brilliant reds, oranges and yellows, here, the rusty, gold-colored falling leaves near our rivers and streams reveal the flecked, white bark of our native Sycamore. Note the bright, lemon-yellow Big-Leaf Maples, Willows and Dogwood as they light up the fall sky. As you appreciate the masterful landscaping of our region, remember that you can bolster your own garden with these same resilient gems . . .

Cal Poly’s Learning Pine Arboretum, San Luis Obispo.

On warm afternoons you can catch the scent of straw and warm maple syrup from the late-blooming Pearly Everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum) and the dormant Purple needle grass (Nassella pulchra), our state grass.

One of my favorite rugged plant veterans, the California fuchsia (Epilobium californicum), explodes with brilliant firecracker-red flowers after the Fourth of July, seemingly saluting our nation, and continues until Halloween.

Our endearing Hollywood (Heteromeles californica) can produce a sweet-pungent, skunky stink on a warm southslope, while the Wild Rose (Rosa californica), above, by contrast, can delicately perfume an entire moist canyon. Both of these native plants produce bright red berries.

Empower and invigorate your own garden with these time-tested, nature-approved species, which are available at local specialty nurseries that support California native plants. As you incorporate them, remember these tenets of good design: colors, texture, bones, form, function, repetition, rhythm. Solid design is primary in achieving a connecting “feel” in a garden. For new gardens, a master plan is essential.

The rains will be here soon enough, so, whether you experience the fall on the Central Coast in your yard with a shovel or in the wild with a walking stick in hand, make the best of the season and get outside, garden, exercise and join the floristic gems.

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TODD M . DAVI D S ON

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efore you dash out to the store for those tongue-tantalizing herbs needed to flavor your favorite holiday dishes, imagine how nice it would be to walk directly into your garden. With a few cultivation guidelines, it is easy to grow herbs in the garden as culinary companions or whimsical plant pairings in ornamental landscapes. Now, while soil temperatures are still warm and ambient temperatures are cooling, with rain on its way, is the best time to put down roots for herb harvests next year.

The term ‘herb’ comes from the plant type “herbaceous”; these plants grow with fleshy tissues and do not create persistent woody stems. A majority of culinary herbs tend to be herbaceous perennials that tend to last productively for several growing seasons. To have ample amounts of herbs available, plant at least a dozen of each type of perennial. For annuals and biennials, stagger plantings by one or two months to continue to have harvestable material. Propagation of these herbs by seed can be achieved in spring, following the threat of frost, but a lot more time (possibly up to a year or more) is needed to invest for the plant to establish sizably enough to begin harvesting materials.

To reap enormous success in growing herbs, follow these simple cultural requirements: generous sunlight (at least six-hours) and adequate drainage allow herbs to thrive. As is the case with most plants, soil conditions greatly influence plant health. If you have heavy soils, like the expansive clays of San Luis Obispo, silty slopes of Cambria and Morro Bay, or chalky calcareous hillsides of Arroyo Grande, consider augmenting. Create raised beds or mound up your native soil, and amend or import ample sandy-loam to increase drainage for plant roots.

Remember to provide adequate irrigation, yet let the soil dry slightly between waterings. A little proactive attention to your soils will pay you in bountiful harvests.

Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial and can add an earthy freshness to foods. It is preferable to allow this plant to establish a decent size before harvesting. For best flavor, harvest

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leaves slightly before or following flowering.

Replant after three to four years. Ornamentally, try using showy varieties such as ‘Tricolor, ‘ ‘Purpurescence,’ and ‘Aurea’ as superb perennial border plants.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a salivating companion to stuffing, meats, stews, fish, and game. In the garden, this perennial displays various low varieties lending themselves to super “soft-grout” plantings between flagstones. On a warm day, slight foot-traffic over the thyme-planted flagstones can fill the garden with an aromatically sensuous musk.

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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is really easy to grow and adds that distinctive seasoning spunk to lamb, potatoes, and many Mediterranean dishes.

In the garden, this hardy perennial comes in many applicable forms and shapes. Rosmarinus ‘Irene’ has brilliant blue flowers and grows prostrate as a nice skirting to a specimen shrub, small tree, or mixed border planting. Rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’ is a favorable upright variety, and its coniferous texture lends to a clean and formal homefoundation planting or a small clipped hedge.

Stems and leaves of Savory (Satureja hortensis) can blend well with other herbs, vegetable dishes, lentils, eggs, stuffing, and soup mixes. This plant can be mixed into the garden border or raised vegetable bed.

Parsley (Petorselinum crispum) is slightly more challenging to grow, but worth the extra care for use as a fresh garnish and flavoring. Parsley tends to appreciate regular garden-watering and fertile soil. Though it is a biennial, treat it as an annual and replace it for continued vegetative production.

Whether dried or used fresh, cooking with and cultivating herbs helps us enjoy great holiday food.

Happy Holidays!

TODD M . DAV I D S ON

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he holiday season is here with the welcomed cool wetness of winter. This is the one season in our coastal climate that may actually cause us to hibernate indoors for a rainy day or two, forcing us to view our gardens through the streams tracing down our windows. We must welcome the rain as it offers our plants a much needed drink after a very long, dry season.

However, stoked fireplaces, warm clothing, profuse coniferous musk from the Christmas tree, and the delicious aromas from the kitchen make being stuck indoors bearable to any outdoorloving gardener. Between early rainfalls, we can find a moment to untangle the spaghetti-puzzle of stored Christmas lights and begin twining them around a favorite specimen tree, to delineate house trimming and illuminate other garden plants.

We can continue celebrating the winter garden, even when we can’t be outside, by bringing plants and botanicals indoors with us. Trimming twigs with showy, juicy, red, swollen fruits from holly, cotoneaster, and our native toyon can add holiday décor to a dried flower arrangement. Additionally, twigs of redstemmed dogwood, curly willow, deer grass in florescence, and fire-stemmed dormant Japanese maples can be quite striking in a large vase with cut and dried lotus pods.

For additional horticultural holiday ornaments, don’t overlook the abundance of full and finished potted floral crops available for the holidays to brighten your home, such as the showy bracts of the ever-popular poinsettia (available in multitudes of various colors beyond the

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Reaping for WREATHS traditional red), sharply sweet-pungent paperwhite narcissus, succulent Christmas cactus, and upright rosemary, trimmed in the shape of a diminutive christmas tree.

There are other welcomed botanical holiday treats besides the traditional tree that add grace and aroma in the home.

Place spice-scented cedar boughs over a warm mantle. Awaken the senses with cinnamon brooms and pine cones.

Of course, a fresh conifer, eucalyptus, or sage wreath can add that welcoming woodsy subtlety to any room in the home.

Little bits of any of the above plants can double as easily accessible incense in the fireplace, as well.

While December leaves much of our great country laden in frozen blankets of pure white snow, we get to enjoy cool coastal California rains and frequently clear, warm days with crisp evenings.

Even though the weather may not allow us to garden as much these days, take a moment to enjoy a warm cup of cider while celebrating the holidays with family and friends in our treasured temperate locale. May Santa bring you all the garden goodies fathomable!

Warmest wishes this holiday season.

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birdbaths

trellises

TODD M . DAV I D S ON

metal gates statues figures sculptures orbs

sundials COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

rain gauges

wind chimes

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art in our E

ven if all the intricate details of your garden

beauty. For example, the water element in birdbaths

have been meticulously planned out – a

and fountains can offer a soothing mood to any space

thematic, colorful, and cohesive plant palette, rich

as well as invite fluttering, feathered friends. Finely

soil conditioning, correct drainage and irrigation,

crafted metal gates and trellises with custom detail

hardscaping materials for pathways and patios – do

and style add elegance and grace to these utilitarian

not overlook possibly the most expressive medium of

garden structures. Ornamental stepping stones in

your personal taste ... garden art!

the shapes of animals or flowers can create a playful path to explore through a colorful, floral border.

Just as specimen plant materials can create focal

Wood or metal harmonically-tuned wind chimes are

points of interest or block unwanted views, some

instrumental in dampening unwanted urban clamor.

forms of garden art can effectively serve similar

Rain gauges and sundials can also be as decorative

purposes. Integrating the garden art pieces with

as they are exacting in the garden.

complementary plantings to appropriately scale and enhance them while framing vignettes is also

If you have a professional landscape designer,

important for most garden art applications. Although a

contractor, or architect, be sure to mention you want

professional designer can assemble a masterful plan

to incorporate garden art pieces. The planning stage

for your landscape, shopping for that perfect aesthetic

is the most important for proper placement of these

piece truly requires personal input and preference.

pieces, especially if they require footings, foundations, plumbing for water, or conduits for electricity. Finally,

fountains

Talented garden artisans can create forms from a

the best way to enjoy your art in the garden, for as

vast scope of materials: bronze, copper, steel, glass,

much time possible, is to use landscape lighting

concrete, stone, wood, and more. Some pieces are

to effectively illuminate your subjects for evening

simply ornamental such as statues, figures, sculptures

enjoyment. Soft, low-voltage up lights, spotlights,

and orbs, serving as beautiful design elements. For

down lights, or backlights can create that special

urban gardens without a view, a large unattractive

garden magic while entertaining or embellishing a

blank wall can be an excellent space for a painted

romantic evening.

mural scene or subject of interest. While you can find many ornate garden art subjects at a favorite home and garden retail store, commissioning an artisan for that unique piece may be worth the extra expense for something distinctively special and definitively you.

Other garden art subjects can add function as well as

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Todd Davidson is the owner of Sage Ecological Landscapes

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TODD M. DAVIDSON

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great garden need not be rooted in the

soil. A gardener’s paradise full of aromatic herbs, fragrant flowers, vibrant perennial and annual color, and dwarf edible and ornamental trees can be cultivated in containers.

Not only does the container technique conserve the water necessary to infuse thirsty blossoms with color, but planting in containers allows for more accessibility, mobility, and diversification as well, giving you the freedom to change the look and feel of your garden while retaining year-round efflorescence. For instance, a seasonal potted plant may be positioned accordingly at the fore or back of the garden throughout the year. Likewise, you can transform certain isolated sections of your garden with container additions: flank entrances, patios, and decks, or fill areas with poor soil and vertebrate pest problems with potted plants.

Adding attractive containers to a new or existing landscape produces an overall clean and polished finish.

Furthermore, containers add another means and method for imbuing your garden with unique, artistic touches. Since they are crafted into all shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes, endless options are available to fit your setting and style. Everything from redwood, cedar, and teak to terra-cotta, ceramic, concrete, plastic, and even fiberglass will serve. Terracotta and wood containers, however, tend to dry the soil substrate out faster than glazed ceramic, plastic, or fiberglass – especially when in direct sunlight for more than six hours.

Darker colors may also absorb more heat and increase evapo-transpiration, thus requiring additional moisture.

CONTAINING ONE’S GARDEN Wooden containers are convenient because they can be built to sizes and shapes that

Planted Containers at cherry lane nursery, arroyo Grande

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roots suit the location; however, rot and toxic

as to not block smaller containers and plants

Maintain a two-inch lip between the soil line

wood treatments can be detrimental to your

in front. Fill the medium-sized container or

and the top of the container to allow room

plants. Redwood and cedar, fairly rot resistant

containers with a medium-sized, blooming

for fun, personal touches in your container

options, can be used without staining or

sub-shrub or herbaceous perennial, such as

designs … which is what gardening is all about.

painting. Look out for wood treated with

the reddish-pink spider-gang blossoms of the

Blanket the soil with colorful and decorative

creosote, penta, or other toxic compounds

wooly Grevillea. Plant smaller containers

smooth pebbles, vibrant Scotch or Irish

containing damaging vapors.

with perennial or annual color like floral

mosses, baby’s tears, or elfin thyme. Artistic

heads of yarrow.

pieces such as small animal sculptures, tiny

Once you’ve chosen the medium, you can

rain gauges, or a miniature laughing Buddha

get creative with the design. To create

For the chef-gardener, create edible

also enhance the look of potted plants and add

striking ornamental container combinations

combinations using Sweet Bay, pineapple

focal points to your design.

and to add dimension to your garden,

guava, or dwarf citrus as the large specimen.

place similar color and style containers

The medium containers could hold upright

Let your creativity flourish in the boundless

in groupings of odd numbers with

rosemary, tomatoes, or peppers, and the

possibilities of container gardening.

variable sizes. Place the largest specimen

smaller containers can be used for all your

container in a grouping (perhaps a striking

seasonal smaller vegetables like spinach,

architectural foliage form like the explosive

butter lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and herbs.

Cordyline “Red Star”) in the background so

Todd Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes

Let your creativity flourish in the boundless possibilities of container gardening.

TIPS: Choose a container size large enough for your specific plant or plants. Smaller pots tend to dry out faster than larger pots, which have a greater amount of soil to retain moisture. Large specimen plants in massive containers can be quite striking but do require some muscle or machinery to place. Use containers between 15 and 120 quarts capacity and avoid containers with narrow openings.

Use a “soiless” substrate mix purchased from retail nurseries or a commercial landscape soils producer. Substrate should be weed and pathogenfree as well as lightweight.

Ensure that the bottom of the containers have drain holes for excess water to leak out.

In some cases, you may need to raise the

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containers slightly with pre-fabricated brick or stone “pot feet” to provide adequate drainage.

Fertilize with a slow-release product worked into the substrate or mix fertilizer with water and feed with a light concentration frequently. Be sure to follow the directions carefully so as not to “burn” the plants from excessive soluble salts. A “complete fertilizer” providing both macro and minor nutrients will yield best growth results.

Consider automatic micro-irrigation equipped with an automatic control clock to aid with regular moisture allocation.

Read up on your plants to fulfill sunlight or shade requirements.

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TODD M. DAVIDSON

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hose seductive scents of spring are here

Ancient ferns and gymnosperms (literally,

again: alluring pink jasmine, beckoning

“naked seeds,” like cones), however, could

rose bouquets, languishing lupines, spunky

rely solely on wind to disseminate pollen from

carnations, and sexy sweet-shade trees are

a male to female. In fact, as many hay-fever

just a few of our garden’s aromatic and

victims will attest, nature still uses the wind

colorful players. How delightful that these

to spread the sexual pollen of many plants and

botanical wonders have been divinely created

trees by the droves: wispy grasses, hill-studded

for our sensual enjoyment ... or have they?

oaks, river-bound willows, and sycamores

Perhaps by design, our naked eye cannot

are a few of the largest pollen wind-riders

detect the savage sexual interludes occurring

that afflict the immune system as allergens.

in our very own gardens ... even in public

A humorous allergy anecdote from Ovary’s

gardens!

book, Thomas Leo Ogren’s “Safe Sex in the Garden,” will offer many allergy-friendly plants

Microscopic molestations are afoot in our

for pollen-sensitive gardeners to continue to

favorite flowers. A must for any gardener’s

exercise their green thumb.

coffee table is Alice Ovary’s hilarious book Sex in your Garden. Ovary writes with wanton and

Insects can reportedly put on

reckless abandon, describing how the hibiscus

quite a familiar show to

flower is like a red dress to the hummingbird,

attract members of the

eloquently illustrating how a plant species’

opposite sex; rubbing,

perky flower pistil unscrupulously maneuvers

strumming, or bowing

to get its pollen placed upon an enticing

their leg-hairs together to

stigmatic surface for pollination.

play a romantic song on a

Quite trite, plants are largely un-aroused as to what humans consider colorful; colors have a design intention of their own. Although our species has mastered the art of horticultural

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

plant breeding and manipulation, millions of years of plant evolution have proceeded

leaf. How about macho shows of fighting off

without our help. Flower color and aromatic

other males or mate-guarding the females of

frequencies allure the pollinator to engage in

their species after intercourse? Additionally,

their sexual favors.

some orchid flower mimicry can fool a bee into copulation with a perceived partner,

Evolutionarily speaking, nature appears to

yet really doing the pollination work for the

be moving toward increasing cooperative

plant. Wicked predatory wasps may inject

complexity through interdependence: plants

their ovipositor in aphids or on caterpillars for

rely on animals for reproductive assistance.

their larvae’s first, juicy, coniferous bite into

Attractive flowers and fruit colors, along with

their new world. Most shocking of all, can you

engaging scents, lure the animal in a deceptive

believe all of these dirty acts may very well be

tactic toward strategic sexual dissemination.

happening in your own tidy little garden?

The reward for this mesmerized animal doing a plant’s dirty work may be nectar, fruit, or

Spring is here, so rejoice in the floral affair by

pollen. Angiosperms (fruit-covered seeds),

expressing all of your deepest plant passions

have an intimate relationship with birds,

and get in touch with your garden.

insects, and other animals to assist in their sexual success.

Todd Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes

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TODD M. DAVIDSON

HOME & GARDEN

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lthough historical, formal garden

structure for the pole beans, which in turn

design segregated herbs, veggies, and fruit

fix nitrogen for the voracious corn roots,

from ornamentals, I encourage you to break

while the squash adds a complementary

established, staunch, separatist design

groundcover to both smother weeds and

boundaries and mix in the edibles with the

retain needed moisture for the whole group.

ornamentals for added interest while creating a more engaging garden: an edible landscape.

Groundcovers such as ripe, red strawberry,

The idea of including edible plants in our

golden garden nasturtium, and variegated

highly ornate compilations and garden

Houttuynia can be used where a colorful

masterpieces may sound a bit strange and

prostrate form is needed: next to a path for

unfamiliar, but it is a completely acceptable

easy harvest or an accessible slope. Mix some

and sophisticated way of enhancing your

of the above groundcovers with rose petals

landscape design. Soothing a voracious

and your ubiquitous, weedy lawn dandelions

appetite should be another added enjoyment

to complete the makings of a colorful and

to the entertainment, meditation, relaxation,

zesty “salad.” A showy, climbing combination

and exercise experienced in your garden.

of tomatoes growing with annual sweet peas on a trellis can be deliciously colorful. Make

Many edibles have stunning design

dandelion wine and elderberry wine, an estate

applications. Play off the large, hanging,

bouquet port, or homemade beer flavored

edible globe ornaments such as the apple,

with viny hops. Use the striking, bold, coarse

citrus, pomegranate, and persimmon. How

textural form of the artichoke to draw your

about incorporating classical Mediterranean

eye to a focal point and your taste buds to a

culinary keystones such as the fig, rosemary,

treat. Colorful heirloom lettuces can also be

and olive? A tropical water feature can be

sewn in a decorative pattern along a mixed

flanked with avocados, kiwi, hardy-banana,

border around a lawn while interplanted with

pineapple, guava, and dragon fruit.

spring bulbs. There are so many unexplored ideas to create a wonderfully edible

Espalier a dwarf apple, pear, or peach to soften

landscape in your garden. Therefore, let your

and add interest to a flat, sunny wall. Embrace

imagination be limitless when incorporating

native elderberry, blackberry, gooseberry, and

fun food plants, while following fundamental

currants along a brambly nature trail. Train

horticultural practices.

juicy table grapes over a garden gate arbor or patio pergola. If you are fortunate to have

This spring, be daring and break past

ample sunlight, don’t forget to work in your

segregation barriers in your garden;

favorite herbs: thyme, prostrate and upright

incorporate edible plants abundantly. The

rosemary, oregano, and chives. If you have

results may greatly please you as tasty

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING a large, warm, sunny area to sprawl, grow

rewards become a daily part of your outdoor

a watermelon, squash, or cantaloupe: these

lifestyle. A final note, don’t forget to feed and

aggressive goodies are a great way to smother

care for your soil so that it will feed you.

weeds while providing some summer sweets.

For a quick, eight-foot screen, grow some

Bon appétit en jardin!

sweet corn or pole beans. The great Native American planting trio taught to settlers can be honored with sweet corn, pole beans, and squash. The sweet corn acts like a trellis

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Todd Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes

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TODD M. DAVIDSON

Jargon for irrigation parts such as

method, will work wonders to service your

“spaghetti line,” “soaker hose,”

floriferous containers. Be sure that the

“spot-spitters,” “shrubblers,”

connection is not downstream of your water

“emitters,” “laser-line,” and

softener; this may prove challenging and a

“drip-staples” have a mystique

call to a plumber can greatly expedite the

all their own – despite their

process. Detrimentally, the soluble salts used

simplistic function. It is a wonder

to soften water can create a negative osmotic

why this is not called “irritation”

reaction with your prized plant materials and

instead of “irrigation.” Although,

create a “burn” as water exits your plants’

the right information and parts

roots, instead of entering. Additionally, the

acquired from a helpful irrigation

installation of an in-line filter and pressure-

store can simplify the installation

reducer downstream of the automatic control

immensely.

valve shall save you from headaches, dead plants, and expense. Fine-mesh filters are

In all irrigation applications,

critical as they clean out clogging particles

there are two fundamental

and a pressure-reducer downstream of the

principals: frequency (the

automatic control valve.

amount of time between water applications) and duration

Run a 5/8-inch drip hose either to your new

(the amount of time the water

planted bed area or behind containers (as

is applied at each interval).

hidden as possible). Then run 1/4-inch spaghetti

Frequency is best determined

lines from the 5/8-inch pipe directly to the

by close observation as to when

roots. The spaghetti-end hoses disperse water

the upper several inches of soil

effectively through adaptable shrubblers, spotspitters, and soaker hoses. Drip staples are

VACATION IRRIGATION I

handy to anchor the spaghetti line in to the pot to stay put.

When connecting an existing irrigation system to recently added landscape plants,

t’s that time of year again to pack up the

suitcases, load up the car, or book the flight to some restful vacation destination for a much needed battery recharge. We must not entirely forget our domestic duties, though; pets need to be cared for, mail and newspaper claimed.

Of equal importance is the health and vivaciousness of our landscape investment.

Unless you are lucky enough to have a trusted friend possessing a willing green thumb to water your plants while you are away, an automatic irrigation system is a must.

All the plants you currently hand-water, such as those in patio containers and any recent landscape additions not hooked up to the existing automatic irrigation drip system can easily be connected to the aqueous umbilical cord of life. Without extensive irrigation experience, however, the first venture down to the local landscape supply store can seem alien and awkward at best.

or substrate dry completely. Containers vary

use a 1/4-inch spaghetti line extension cut to

widely in their material porosity (see March

the exact length from the drip hose to the

issue: Containing One’s Garden), color and

plant, putting the water right at the root

size; when you factor these variables in with

ball, and add a two-gallon per hour emitter.

different sun and wind exposures, you’ll find

If the irrigation system was installed by

that separate pots require entirely different

a licensed landscape contractor, you may

watering frequencies.

want to contact them as to how many new additions can be added to the system without

As for duration, water just long enough to

overloading.

saturate the entire substrate and leach 1015 percent total container volume to flush

If all of this irrigation jargon still remains

excessive soluble salts. Due to the sponge-

alien and awkward, hiring a licensed

like water-holding properties of most soils,

landscape contractor prior to leaving for a

watering your landscape plants will require

much deserved vacation may be well worth

far less frequency and less duration than

the investment. Returning to a thriving

potted plants. A soil probe is the best tool to

colorful garden with all your vivacious plants

inspect the water column when calibrating

is the best welcome to home sweet home.

the automatic control clock for both frequency and duration in your landscape.

Todd Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes A hose-bib battery-operated automatic control valve, the fastest and easiest automating

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TODD M. DAVIDSON Black-eyed Susans

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fter careful garden design, planting techniques, and proper water-wise irrigation, it is quite a joy to see our plants establishing and some even blooming especially as temperatures soar! Summer color can bring that cheery vivaciousness to any sundrenched landscape. I have picked some great garden goodies to plant this coming fall that will provide floriferous color next summer.

The various microclimates on the Central Coast can have drastically differing soils, sun exposures, and temperature extremes.

Even modest topographical elevation change within your neighborhood can affect these conditions; cold air is heavy and will persist much longer in uphill environs. Be sure to do a bit of research regarding your particular microclimate when choosing new plants for your garden.

My favorite summer-flowering California native perennials that can bloom under the most rugged and harsh temperatures are in the genus Eriogonum or the buckwheats.

Several different varieties of this perennial are available at local nurseries supporting native plants. For example, the compact Saffron Buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum) has stark white leaves with a flurry of sulfur yellow flower heads suspended a few inches above the foliage. The Rosy Buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens) is a splendid plant with another compact habit, bright green leaves with white undersides supporting a dizzying bouquet of blush, rosy pink flowers. Finally, St. Catherine’s Lace (Erigonum giganteum) is a large sub-shrub touting giant pale pink umbels, eventually turning to a rustic metallic color. These large umbels make great dried cut-flowers. Buckwheats tend to invite good beneficial insects into the garden.

Summer-flowering shrubs need not be overlooked for added height and interest.

A rich merlot-hued leaf of the Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’) combined with its smoky plumes of miniature inflorescence make this deciduous shrub irresistible. Of course, a summer garden would not be complete without flittering butterflies

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

HOT SUMMER PLANTS indulging on the various colorful blossoms and cultivars of the Butterfly Bush (Buddleia sp.). And a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but not perform as well as the pure-white double blossoms of the Iceberg Rose (Rosa ‘Iceberg’).

A mixed perennial summer border would be undone without the colorful companions of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Some of my favorite new varieties are the dark wine-red ‘Paprika,’ erect bright yellow ‘Sunbeam,’ soft peach ‘Terra Cotta,’ rabbit-resistant, compact, white ‘Sonoma Coast,’ and pure pastel ‘Island Pink.’ Most yarrow makes great cut-flowers. Some additional summer cut-flowers are the cobalt-blue Mediterranean Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’), Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ with its elegant slender stem and white petals, and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

If you live in a windy locale, plant summerflowering ornamental grasses and use nature

as a way to make them dance and create movement in the garden. A strong vertical statement when blooming is the native Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens). A stiff structured grass with a silvery cloud of steel wool is Heavy Metal Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’). To remind you of the family trip to the fair, plant the unmistakable cottoncandy-flowering Pink Muhly (Muhlenbergia cappilaris). For a glaucus-blue excellent evergreen grass use Canyon Prince Wild Rye (Leymus condensatus ‘Canyon Prince’).

If you just can’t wait until the ideal fall weather for planting these hot summer plant picks, be sure to supplement with adequate irrigation to prevent wilt or worse, desiccation (botanic term for plant death). Enjoy your summer and your gardens.

TODD DAVIDSON OWNS SAGE ECological landscapes

roots

J

effrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture, out of Los Osos, has recently put our little Central Coast slice of heaven on the map.

Professional garden publications such as Sunset Magazine and Garden Design Magazine have showcased Smith’s style and landscape design wizardry in local projects, demonstrating how he is truly pushing the envelope to new dimensions on the Central Coast.

Jeffrey Gordon Smith claims his designs are driven by a three-part equation: Client, Architecture, and Site. This harmonic convergence presents entirely new and different conditions in each and every project, resulting in a unique piece that is truly a custom expression. “We gravitate toward clients that

TODD M. DAVIDSON

are open to celebrating the Central Coast, or wherever our projects may be,” Smith states quite simply. “Genus loci, or sense of place, is of utmost importance for each and every project to fit appropriately in its surroundings.”

Due to the dynamic beauty and diversity of each customer’s site on the Central Coast, Smith has abundant inspiration to draw upon. He chooses color palettes that honor hues of our local chaparral and oak woodland landscapes, which Smith refers to as “nativesque”: shimmering silvers, glaucous blues, deep olive greens, goldenrod yellows, and buff browns are a few embraced and celebrated locally in Smith’s designs. “We take the color palette very seriously. Matching a particular

flower or foliage color to the house trim is a necessary fine detail I enhance while many overlook.” Although some of Smith’s clients relocate here from foreign landscapes with higher rainfall, he strongly suggests they take on a sustainable mindset and not roll these unrealistic expectations into our drier locales.

Smith bluntly adds that his designs are not for every consumer. “Using a food analogy, we create landscapes likened to a fine and thoughtful cuisine, containing many elegant and carefully-prepared servings … quite a distinctive contrast to fast food: cheap, fast, and meagerly fulfilling. If architecture is the cake, landscape is the icing, and without it, an otherwise artful dessert would remain dull,

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

All Photos courtesy jeffry gordon smith landscape architecture

“If architecture is the cake, landscape is the icing, and without it, an otherwise artful dessert would remain dull, barren, and incomplete.”

Composite

Landscaping: The Artistry of Jeffrey Gordon Smith barren, and incomplete.” Landscape is the only art form drawing upon all the senses: sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. Excellent landscape design, according to Smith, should not only enhance one’s property value to the fullest, but also arouse all of the senses to an elated state.

Andy Goldsworthy, a sculptor who produces site-specific sculptures and land art, is Smith’s hero and favorite all-encompassing artist.

According to Smith, Goldsworthy is God-like in the way he can arrive at the site of his commission and extract the marrow and essence out of a place. Goldsworthy creates striking natural tributes that honor a site with something as simple as arranging fall-colored

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

leaves in a stunning, breathtaking expression.

“Like all art, landscape design is very subjective – there is no right or wrong because this is art: three-dimensional, dynamic, seasonal, highly complex, living art.” Smith says, “I don’t understand why many people will spend thousands of dollars on an eclectic piece of art, yet not view their landscape as a valuable multi-dimensional art form that can grow in value.”

surfaces of the interior of a home in a continuous thread to the outside landscape.

“This should not be a disconnect,” Smith insists.

“Repeating colors, patterns, and materials should connect the interior to exterior living space uninterrupted. My skilled staff and I work with structural architects, interior designers, and custom landscape contractors to marry all of the essential elements of a fine composition.”

To begin designing a unique artistic

In addition to marrying a design’s site to architecture and client, what sets Smith’s designs apart from other landscape architects and designers, is the notion that he embraces the concept of “ground plane.” Superior attention is given to linking the flat hardscape

masterpiece in your landscape, contact Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture at (805) 528-2118 or www.jgsdesigns.com Todd M. Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes

style

TODD M. DAVIDSON

HOME & GARDEN

Enlightened A

Sage Ecological Landscapes

utumn. Sweet autumn. Falling in love

Bright Ideas Design Group

Landscapes the home and garden should not be pursued

with autumn is easy after the sizzling summer

lightly. There are far more sophisticated and

releases its scorching grip. This romantic

tasteful approaches to illuminating your

obsession with autumn begins with the

property than simply installing massive

crisp, cool evenings that perfectly exemplify

beacon-like floodlights to bear down on your

how pleasantly livable and comfortable our

garden. These annoying miniature lighthouses

Mediterranean climate can be. I guess my

can rapidly contract the pupils of any eyes

only complaint with autumn is the shorter

within a quarter-mile to a painfully squinting

day-length. Suddenly, I find myself without

speck. And the days of creating a “runway”

the late evening light I grew so accustomed to

or “landing strip” with multi-colored cheap

in the summer. Now, I’m left to languish only

plastic Malibu® lights are thankfully over.

in the sun’s hastily waning light. These earlier

Fortunately for our generation, far more

sunsets obviously impede outdoor evening

elegant and durable fixtures of brass,

endeavors in the fall. Luckily, there is an

copper, and bronze are available to add

equally beautiful and illuminating substitute

grace while creating that evening-light magic

for natural twilight that adds hours of outdoor

in the garden.

light and enjoyment while enhancing your property: landscape lighting!

A truly tasteful arrangement of lights, however, requires a robust lighting design

Like any endeavor we embark upon with our

and successful use of lighting techniques.

living spaces, adding landscape lighting to

For example, to up-light specimen trees,

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

fountains, urns, and garden art, it is essential

Backed with a degree from San Francisco State

to select the proper fixtures and placement.

University in theatrical lighting, Marsan takes

Try a tasteful silhouette-lighting application

custom projects into uncharted territories.

on architectural shrubs against garden walls

Marsan’s approach to lighting design is

to create a sculptural shadow effect. Simply

to create both mood and spatial clarity by

placing path lights evenly throughout an entire

defining vignettes in the evening garden and

curving garden path make an evening stroll

by creating focal points, subtleties, and, of

and bronze add grace while creating that eveninglight magic in the garden. idyllic. This fall, be daring and request delicate

course, the unexpected detail. There are far

back-lighting to accentuate flowering plumes

too many important technical points involved

of billowing ornamental grass inflorescence.

to adequately explain the method behind

For true mood-enhancement, hang a special

the intricate art of great lighting design, but

frosted lens from a tall tree to create an

Marsan stresses the importance of the basic

irresistible, soft lunar glow on a garden subject.

key points: correct bulb use, protection and

Bright Ideas Design Group

… elegant and durable fixtures of brass, copper,

stealth placement of the bulb, decorative Many local qualified professionals—landscape

appeal of the fixture, and pedestrian safety.

contractors, designers, or architects—can

Bright Ideas’ work is commissioned all over

help you achieve such an artful landscape

California to beautifully illuminate the inside

lighting design. Some contractors even focus

and outside of homes.

exclusively on installing landscape lighting, such as a new local branch of Outdoor

Whether you employ a local landscape

Lighting Perspectives (OLP). Sarene Chapman

contractor, architect, lighting technician, or

of OLP celebrates the magic created by

illumineer, landscape lighting will transform

landscape lighting and explains that “an even

your garden into a magical space beyond

wash of light needs to cover an entire oak tree

your wildest imagination. Most importantly,

canopy to light it effectively.” Sarene’s franchise

landscape lighting will help you comfortably

offers an exceptional service of routine lighting

enjoy fun outdoor get-togethers on the Central

maintenance as well as warranties on an

Coast late into autumn evenings.

exclusive product line.

Another local business is taking outdoor landscape lighting to a whole new dimension.

Bright Ideas Design Group, out of Baywood Park, readily employs fiber optics in landscape garden features. If this sounds to you like it is right out of a movie set, you are spot

Resources: Bright Ideas Design Group 1212 2nd St., Baywood Park (805) 528-0982; www.brightideasdesigngroup.net

“Illumineer” because he incorporates methods learned in his ten years as a Disney Imagineer (production designer for Disney theme parks),

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives: Central Coast 589 Cuesta Dr., San Luis Obispo (805) 237-3733; www.outdoorlights.com

along with a stint as a touring lighting technician for the late rock and roll concert promoter, Bill Graham.

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

Todd M. Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

on. Darren Marsan considers himself an

home & garden

think local GARDEN

GLOBAL b y

T O

D

D

D A V

I

D

S

O

N

When current global, environmental, or political affairs make us feel helpless, we must remember that we can make significant strides toward a sustainable world locally and daily. Personally, I prefer spending time in the garden – my own microcosm – to find peace, enjoyment, and hope during tumultuous times.

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

home & garden

...water-thirsty turf grass is an IRRESPONSIBLE AND NEEDLESS WASTE.

W

E CAN DO OUR PART TO SAVE THE WORLD BY applying sustainable principles in the garden. The garden is part of an interdependent, discontinuous ecosystem that doesn’t stop at our fences or property lines. Close observation of the common pocket gopher’s expansive and destructive tunnel system, which can connect through an entire neighborhood, clearly exemplifies this point.

A sustainable approach to gardening requires a regard for the ecosystem as a collective whole – from below the ground and up. Soil interactions, influenced by a myriad of influxes such as soil textures, presence or lack of organic matter, soil moisture, plant-root structures, fertilizers, pesticides, microorganisms, vertebrates, and more, are largely responsible for nutrition and overall plant health.

Most domestic garden soils may have undergone tremendous compaction from home-construction activities, concrete, paint and stucco washouts, and more.

One of the best ways to buffer construction toxins in soil, improve soil structure, and welcome beneficial microorganisms, is to incorporate organic material, such as compost (free of pathogens). Additionally, slow-release organic fertilizers and mychorrizal fungi may help a conditioned soil yield flourishing plant growth.

Above ground, we can find many more active participants in our garden’s ecology.

For example, plant pests such as aphids, mites, and mealy bugs may be sucking away on a favorite plant one sunny day. Before quickly loading a spray gun full of your pesticide arsenal for rapid revenge, look a little closer; parasitic wasps, lacewings, or ladybugs may already be consuming the lion’s share of these pests.

By spraying, we may kill beneficial insects and disrupt the delicate balance of the insect ecosystem.

A wide array of plant materials in the garden also helps attract a diversity of insects, birds, and other advantageous members of our garden’s community. A rich variety of biological life perpetuates symbiosis and overall garden health.

Indigenous plants have evolved with pollinators and seed disseminators over thousands of years, while many birds, insects, and other animals have evolved with co-adapted gene complexes for particular plants, furthering interdependence among plants and animals. With the right plants, you can attract nature’s own garden fairies rather than buying man-made products and chemicals to do their work. Tubular flowers and those containing elongated stamens – like bottlebrush, California fuchsia, and penstemon – tend to beckon the hummingbird. Ripening

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

home & garden turf grass is an irresponsible and needless

cared for with minimal resource consumption.

and wild rose, along with worms and

waste. Californians work with landscaping

The work of removing turf to implant native

other insects, invite various other birds to

paradigms intended for wet regions of the

grass will pay off in the long run, for your

feast. Large clusters of small flowers allow

East Coast or England that are capable of

garden and for the environment as a whole.

butterflies to probe for nectar with minimal

supporting turf grass. Thankfully, progressive

leg movement, as seen with butterfly bushes,

horticulturists and garden designers are

The idea of sustainability is to meet the

heliotrope, and milkweed. Beneficial wasps

taking the lead in integrating appropriate

needs of the present without restricting future

tend to gather around dense flower heads

native grasses that use minimal water once

generations from doing the same. Gardens

such as marigold, buckwheat, and yarrow.

established and require minimal mowing.

are a great way to celebrate sustainability

One great example, the local dune sedge,

and preserve the Central Coast’s unmatched

Resource conservation and preservation

Carex praegracillis, can be grown as a

outdoor lifestyle for posterity. Be kind and

is another cornerstone to sustainable

mini-meadow with wispy wiry texture or be

be well.

gardening. Here in the arid west, water is

mowed regularly for a formal look. A silvery

unarguably the most precious resource.

Mediterranean meadow of Silver Sedge,

Planting large expanses of water-thirsty

Carex glauca, can also be established and

...many animals have evolved with co-adapted gene complexes for particular plants, furthering interdependence among plants and animals.

COURTESY OF CENTRAL COAST MAGAZINE

PHOTO COURTESY CURT BENTZINGER WWW.IMAGEARIUM.COM

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By Da vid Middleca m p | The Tribune | purchase prints Ba ck ya rd fire pit a nd se a ting George a nd De borah Stanton hom e in Los O sos. Da vid Middle ca m p 6-1-2011.

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George and Deborah Stanton of Los Osos thought they couldn’t have an outdoor sitting area bec ause their small lot had no level space. Then, after seeing a neighbor’s garden remodeled

by Sage Ec ologic al Landscapes they c onsulted the company’s proprietor, Todd Davidson.

(

)

-

I ac c ept the terms and c onditions (c lic k to view)

Keep your phone handy!

The prospective landscape plan inc luded three sitting areas. The existing soil would be leveled and organic ally amended. Four tons of sandstone select flagstones and Santa Barbara boulders would be used throughout the garden.

SIMILAR STORIES: Small spaces, friendly faces The Williams garden: A little piece of country in Atascadero Silver celebration by the sea Taming a wild kingdom An octopus's garden in the sun

Sitting pretty The Sta ntons’ tips for re m ode ling a ga rde n:

The Stantons hadn't considered a sitting area near the street, until they realized that the existing Oak and Strawberry Arbutus trees would sc reen it from view.

There, the Sage c rew built a semi-c irc ular benc h of stac ked sandstone overlooking a chunky basalt water feature, surrounded by blac k pebbles. George added some rocks to the shallow basin and rearranges them periodically to change the fountain’s sound.

The path between this area and a second sitting area near the house curves slightly,

U pon hitting the S ign up! button, you will rec eive a mes s age with a four- digit c ode at the end. E nter this number on the next s c reen and pres s the C onfirm button.

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Consider the garde n views from indoors a s we ll as outdoors.

W ater fe a ture s will contribute a nother dim e nsion a nd soothing sounds.

Ga rde n lighting a nd a fire pit can e nhance eve ning e njoym e nt.

W he n work is in progress, try to be a va ilable to answer que stions a nd to m a k e de cisions be fore it’s too la te .

suggesting a leisurely stroll to appreciate the path-side flowers. Midway, a tall black basalt c olumn with water flowing gently down its sides tends to bring visitors to a halt. In the sec ond seating area, a simple wooden benc h sits near a Mexic an fire pot.

Jasmine provides fragrance during its blooming period; other shrubs include angel trumpet, princess flower, and a Chilean coral bell with fuchsia-like blossoms.

The back yard was leveled to ac commodate a meadow of creeping red fesc ue. The alternating upright and fallen grasses resemble ocean waves. The tall wood fenc e is sc reened by taller Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’. At its mid-point, a small basalt fountain is bac ked by a smoke bush. A mirror attac hed to the fenc e behind it is tilted to allow a view into the fountain from the sec ond-story dec k. The Stantons loved this view so muc h that they had a window enlarged to enjoy it from indoors also. Outdoor lighting provides pleasurable viewing after dark as well.

A sc ulpted feminine fac e overlooks the sc ene from a bac k c orner. On the opposite corner, a semi-circular sandstone benc h overlooks a gas fire pit, topped with bits of glass. Behind the bench, a raised bed is filled with proteas, lambs-ear, coral bells, heliotrope, and three melaleuc a trees. Between the fire pit and the meadow, a low mound supports stunningly tall aeoniums and other succ ulents.

The side yard was simply a six-foot-wide walkway between the south side of the house and a tall wooden fenc e. Now, both sides of the walk are planted with edibles and vines that c lamber up a new arbor. The edibles inc lude two grape varieties and grafted apple and pear trees espaliered against the house wall. George calls this area “a garden of olfac tory delight.” Scented vines inc lude a white c lematis, Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia sp.), Giant Burmese honeysuc kle, Japanese honeysuckle and Wonga wonga (Pandorea pandorana).

The garden project took three months; the Stantons say the result was worth the disruption. They are delighted with the numerous features that they had not previously c onsidered, and they praise the diligenc e and expertise of the Sage work crew.

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ROOT S : : : L I F E

Stay True to Your Roots

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STYLE

TODD M. DAVIDSON

Walking along the Central Coast bluffs late last summer, I gazed lazily at the effects of the warm winds on the landscape: the hypnotic waves of undulation; the acoustic clap of tall, rustic cattail tussocks (Typha

latifolia); and the gentle rattle of tall native reeds, rushes (Juncus patens), and grasses. Mesmerized, I watched the native grasses swaying headlong with flower spikes extended, the stiff inflorescence appearing to direct the movement like an orchestra conductor’s baton. The amber and buff dormant native grass meadows and coastal prairies meandered through the lowland and valleys in a painterly flow. The dry late-summer air smelled strongly of native purple needle grass (Nassella pulchra), swirled with warm maple syrup strands from the pearly everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum).

Sadly, less than five percent of California’s native grasslands exist as a result of habitat displacement and development.

Most contemplation of grass in this day and age is limited to lawn and sports fields. Yet, intriguingly, humans have been integrating grasses into the very fiber of their lives and cultures from the beginning of time: construction with bamboo; reeds for roof thatching; wispy grasses and roots for baskets; and sustenance from cereals (wheat, corn, barley, rye, and oats), sugarcane, sorghum, coconut (palm), and molasses. Even meat-eaters rely on the livestock that graze primarily on grasses. Grasses also possess an advanced metabolism that creates more productive carbohydrates (via photosynthesis) than other types of plants under heat and drought stress—making them the perfect low-maintenance addition to your landscape.

There are now several native, wild selections and cultivated varieties of grasses to use in your garden as a result of years of passionate native plant enthusiasts’ and horticulturists’ work—plant people dedicated to offering the public useful native plants. We are rewarded by their efforts with a vast variety of colors and combinations to choose from in the nursery trade. To honor these hardworking horticulturists, support your local native-stocked nursery by purchasing and planting some California heritage grasses.

Be bold and rip up your conventional turf grass and plant an alternative lawn meadow with clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis) or blue gramma grass (Bouteloua gracilis)—bunch grasses planted en

masse. Screen unwanted views with large-specimen native grasses, or simply use a single grass specimen as a focal point. There are endless tasteful designs and functional applications of native grasses as well; the most poignant being that native grasses are the ultimate subject to add dramatic movement and grace in the garden—assuming a dependable breeze blows through.

Lead your neighborhood in progressive planting with brilliant masses of Glaucus powder-blue in the forms of creeping fescue (Festuca rubra ‘Jughandle’) and of stiff vertical blue wild rye (Leymus condensatus ‘Canyon Prince’) and blue rush (Juncus patens ‘Blue’).

Add vertical exclaiming spikes to draw attention with deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens); clump small firecracker-flowering tufts in partial shade with tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa); and accompany boulder archipelagos with groupings of Cape Mendocino reed grass (Calamagrostis foliosa). Remember, native grasses need regular watering to initially establish; however, in time, they will require far less water than a conventional turf grass.

Take a walk in the tall hay today and celebrate our state’s precious grasslands by planting California native grasses in your garden.

Todd M. Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes www.sagelandscapes.net

CENTRALCOASTMAG.COM

MARCH 2009 37

Courtesy of Central Coast Magazine (March 2009) Copyright 2009 www.centralcoastmag.com

roots

WATER WISDOM W

ith plants as the primary medium of

of Earth in every way. Yet, freshwater is so

This does not mean reducing your garden to

commerce, landscaping, as a craft

exceedingly scarce, struggling to make up only

merely gravel and cactus; rather, the method

and trade, is naturally considered part of the

three percent of our planet’s total water supply

known as “xeriscaping” can be applied to any

“green industry.” However, most current and

while only one percent is readily available

landscape that has been designed to thrive

traditional landscaping designs, materials, and

for sustaining all terrestrial and freshwater

without irrigation. Although cactus and gravel

construction techniques are far from being

animals, plants, and human developments. In

would be quite fitting to the environment if

environmentally sensitive. A truly “green”

the wake of water conservation movements,

we lived in Palm Desert, the Central Coast has

landscape integrates not just any plants, but

Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraged people to

a Mediterranean climate core and celebrates

plants adapted to thrive in the ecological

view resources as “life-giving assets to be

a vast array of plant materials that are

conditions of a particular environment. An

directed by wise provisions for future days.”

delightful, beautiful, and require little water

ecological landscape, therefore, is one that

Despite expansive denial of F.D.R.’s words

once established.

maintains a harmonious balance with its

witnessed in poor development practices of

surroundings instead of forcing an artificial

Las Vegas, the west simply cannot afford this

In fact, highly aesthetic and functional outdoor

environ upon them. Though the issue is broad,

recklessness.

living spaces that enhance property values

these simple resource conservation techniques

while using minimal water very efficiently are

and concepts can assist you in leaving a lighter

Rainfall upon the arid western landscape is

easily attainable with some expert guidance

ecological footprint on the planet and in your

cyclical and water is always precious. The

and resourcefulness. A strong, drought-

own backyard. Specifically, let us focus on a

Central Coast can average between 18 – 22

tolerant plant palette of ornate California

limited resource topic most poignant: water.

inches, when winter actually brings rain.

native plants from ecosystems such as Coastal

Therefore, the water requirements of the

Sage Scrub or Maritime Chaparral naturally

The presence and absence of water has

plants we install in our landscapes really

possesses evolved characteristics that allow it

ultimately sculpted the natural landscape

can make a difference on our water supply.

to survive on annual rainfall only. Additionally,

As seen in central coast magazine. January 2008. ®2008

PHOTOS COURTESY SAGE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES

TODD M. DAVIDSON

ecological landscapes can incorporate drought-tolerant plants from the remaining four “Mediterranean climates” of the world: South Africa, South and Southwest Australia, Chile, and the Mediterranean Basin proper.

A stunning example of artfully combining a drought-tolerant plant palette would include massing broad sweeps of ‘Provence’ lavender with native manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), California lilac (Ceanothus spp.), prostrate rosemary (Rosmarinus prostrates), and rockrose (Cistus sp.). However, many plants that possess small, grayish, waxy leaves are droughtdeciduous and portray drought-tolerant

… the Central Coast has a Mediterranean climate core and celebrates a vast array of plant materials that are delightful, beautiful, and require little water once established. characteristics while reflecting the grey, olive

that communicate with local weather stations

green, buff brown, and glaucus blue of our

and soil moisture probes for more accurate

arid Central Coast landscape.

irrigation scheduling. Professional designers can help to group plants together based on

While establishing and maintaining new

ecological requirements and organize irrigation

plantings, water-conserving irrigation

by “hydra-zones.”

Environmental soapboxes often come with a cartload of guilt and unrealistic tasks, but creating beautiful residential landscapes

technology is another important way to efficiently apply water in the landscape with

Mulch is another easy and effective application

minimal evaporative waste. Drip and micro-

to conserve precious water. It helps to retain

irrigation has been a proven method for some

soil moisture, maintain even soil temperatures,

time with ability to irrigate directly to plant

and minimize erosion, runoff, and evaporation.

roots, slowing runoff and hindering weeds

There are mulches made from gravel, rock,

growing in the spaces between plants. There

bark, compost, straw, chip, or shavings. Organic

are even sub-surface, turf-grass, soaker-hose

mulches, such as those from plant products,

irrigation systems that do not waste any

break down over time and become nutrients

water through atomizing sprinklers. Every

that support soil microbiology, ecology, and

control clock should also have an automatic

overall landscape health—a much-needed

shut-off rain-sensor to stop irrigation when

boost for the often deficient, compacted soils left

it rains. There are even control clocks now

after construction activities.

and gardens should be fun, adventurous, and rewarding. Our Central Coast may have limited water supplies, but it is rich with abundant natural beauty that we can employ to landscape and garden here successfully without waste.

Todd M. Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes, www.sagelandscapes.net

As seen in central coast magazine. January 2008. ®2008

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Winterize

Your Garden TODD M. DAVIDSON As winter approaches, freezing temperatures and pummeling hail and rain threaten to reduce our precious garden plants to crisp brown bran flakes. Therefore, some proactive pre-winter workings in the garden can pay dividends in protecting you, your property investments, and your priceless peace of mind.

Winterizing the garden can involve tasks as simple as placing frost cloth protection over tender plants, or as involved as landscape construction to head-off drainage issues and erosioncontrol concerns. Winter is also an ideal time to transplant perennials and trim fruit and ornamental trees using the virtue of dormancy; quiescent plant metabolism allows us to perform surgical horticultural endeavors with a minimal amount of stress and shock.

Erosion prevention from incessant rain is no small matter. Fertile topsoil is a rare and precious resource that the rain, if unchecked, diminishes each year. After all, why pay California’s Central Coast real estate prices to simply watch valuable topsoil exit your property to municipal storm drains? If you have an unstable slope, bare from fresh construction or garden remodeling, it is in your best interest to quickly execute proper positive grading, install groundcover plantings, and apply jute-netting before the first major rain event. In addition, ensure all of your landscape surfaces and gutter downspouts flow positively with a two-percent drainage away from the home with amply-sized inlet catch basins, and correctly caliber drainpipes to safely channel water to the municipal drainage systems in your neighborhood. Do everything in your power to hold on to your topsoil; it holds most of the nutrition responsible for bountiful plant growth and the flurry of flowers to arrive in spring.

Frost protection can involve digging up and containerizing a tender plant in the comfortable indoors for the winter. For plants that are established and can not be transplanted, utilizing varying thicknesses of frost cloth can add several degrees of warmth—possibly the difference between life and death for a plant or crop. In large-scale agriculture, giant wind propellers can homogenize air to prevent cold air pockets from standing over a crop too detrimentally long. Even using early morning overhead irrigation can break the ice on some frosty mornings. Remember

… varying thicknesses of frost cloth can add several degrees of warmth— possibly the difference between life and death for a plant or crop. that well-hydrated plants are proven to be substantially hardier in freezing temperatures.

It is also time to be cutting back those deciduous ornamental grasses and mulching the entire garden. Fortunately, unlike most of our gardening friends in the chilly parts of the country, we do not have to bury our roses and other valuable deciduous shrubs in 12 inches of soil (“heeling up”) to keep them from freezing during winter. The power of mulching, however, is still very effective in Central Coast gardens. Three to four inches of mulch helps insulate the soil from compacting rains, preventing unwanted weeds, and adding an “icing” on the aesthetic landscape.

Let’s face it; the chore of winterizing our Central Coast gardens is easy compared to the rest of our grand, snow-laden country. A few proactive practices will allow you to sleep easy as we welcome a needed wet winter season and look forward to exciting new perennial combinations to pair this spring.

Todd M. Davidson owns Sage Ecological Landscapes www.sagelandscapes.net

CENTRALCOASTMAG.COM

NOVEMBER 2008 43

Courtesy of Central Coast Magazine (November 2008) Copyright 2008 www.centralcoastmag.com