Landscaping in California for Beginners
If you were planning on doing a little yard work in California, it would be wise to follow some guidelines. California’s weather patterns and varied terrains can influence homeowner’s garden styles. Spanish, Mediterranean and local influences are seen in many backyards. It would be more aesthetic to have your backyard and house themes match.
Designs are usually chosen starting from the house architecture and then climate. Even in sunny California, there are varied weather patterns.
A European, sun-drenched garden are inspired by Tuscan, Spanish or Mission architecture that often includes, red-tiled roofs and terra-cotta pots. Bold flowers contrast well to California’s strong lighting. More often than not, many California’s have a small water feature that draws the eyes.
If you’re looking into something that blends more into the environment consider using plants, colors and styles that grow naturally in Southern California.
Choosing the right tree may be the most important decision you’ll make. So choose wisely. In most cases, a tree will, not only be the focal point, but will be the lead for your garden style to follow. They give your space character; shade and that will be a “family member” for the rest of your life.
They will hold a special place in your hearts, so getting it right from the beginning is essential. Trees take time, and mean, a lot of time, like decades to finally mature. Here are a couple of good choices for that will blend well within a California landscape:
Bailey Acacia:
A good Bailey will provide any gardener information for the coming spring in a dramatic fashion. One day it will just be a boring grand tree that to fit in with the cold weather and the very next day it’ll give you the greatest of wake-up calls when it blooms with an explosion of yellow flowers.
These trees can grow up to 30 feet and spreads out equally with leaves like a fern. It’s hardy enough to grow in a variety of climates in California.
You can use it as a background tree and have such shrubs like rosemary and lantana to give it depth.
Bailey’s are planted in areas with full access to the sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s ball, fill with soil and support with stakes.
During the trees infancy, you will need to water it everyday, you’ll know when you don’t have to do anything with it anymore.
If you are looking into something with more “pop”, you should consider a Crape Myrtle. These beauties rule summer with a spectacular bloom of reds and purples. The show might be a little too much for some people but for others, it’s just perfect.
The difference with this tree is that it provides brilliant colors in autumn also. Not as tall, as the Bailey, you can expect to grow a Crape to about 20 feet high.
Don’t plant these trees in the spring or summer. They love full exposure to the sun and cooler climates might be a problem in their infant years.
