Xeriscape & Native Garden

Xeriscape Garden

Although similar to the California Native Garden (see below), this drought-tolerant, water-conservative garden features plants from all the Mediterranean regions of the world, including ours. In fact, the majority of the shrubs sold at your local nursery are from Mediterranean regions of the world.

Sustainable plants and sustainable hardscape elements are the focus of these gardens, including eco-friendly and green technologies such as rain water collections devices, permeable surfaces and minimal, if any, lawn. Lawns should be designed for the recreational family areas (back yard), not the non-recreational areas like your front yard. The use of low-growing lawn substitutes is recommended. The native garden will attract many birds and butterflies. Bird baths and small fountains are appropriate, complemented by a dry-stream bed with native rocks and gravel. Examples of Mediterranean shrubs include: Acacia, Kangaroo Paws, Callistemon, Grevillea, Dudleya. Festuca, Monkey Flower, Penstemon, Cistus, Euphorbia, Santolina, Leucadendron, and succulents such as Aloe, Agave, Echeveria, and Kniphofia.

California Native Garden

Many Californians love their native gardens. Traditionally an informal look, this garden is not for everyone. There are times of the year when some native plants go drought deciduous and other times when heading back of shrubs is necessary. Additionally, the Native Garden looks extremely natural and “a bit wild” based on your local climate and weather. The native garden will attract birds and butterflies. Since plant water consumption is the lowest of all the gardens, the use of water with bird baths, puddling stones, fountains, and small streams are appropriate.