Garden Info


	NATURE'S ELEMENTS LANDSCAPING GARDENING TIPS

Green Tip
Save money and limit waste in our landfill. There are many new compost container models that speed up processing organic matter. They come in smaller sizes, eliminate mess and smells.  There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you are creating nutrient rich food for your plants, have control of what is going into the soil and saving the environment.

It is important to use organic methods when ever possible. We prefer organic and non invasive techniques.Educate yourself on ways to practice organic gardening. There are many environmentally friendly ways to control pests/disease, amend soil and grow healthy plants. Organic products preserve and protect our earth and oceans


Green Tip
Mediterranean plants are popular choices and drought tolerant. Many are medicinal. Lavender can be made into teas, sachets and alleviate depression. The oil of Rosemary is used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Bay laurel can ward away fleas and pests. Roses are used in both tea and deserts.

        Xeriscape Gardening
Successful water wise gardens start out with a good design and careful planning. Minimize your initial expenses by planning it out in phases.

Get a soil analysis if you are not sure what type of soil you have. It will help be know what types of amendments or methods you will need to a make it retain and absorb water

Pick the appropriate plants for the area you want to put them in. Do your research. There are lots of attractive drought tolerant and native plants to give your garden year around color and interest

Turf should be in areas that provide functional benefits. It is best separated from other plants so that it may be irrigated separately. Think about replacing that lawn with patches of less water demanding materials such as ground covers, plants and mulches.

Use Mulches to cool the soil, reduce weed growth, minimize evaporation and soil erosion. Organic mulches are the best choice. It makes a garden look finished.

Use Irrigation for low maintenance and efficient watering. Your turf areas are best watered with sprinklers. Other plants can be watered with low-volume drip or bubble emitters.

	Make your garden do double duty. What is better than harvesting your own vegetables and adding fresh herbs to your dishes? Create a Salsa garden by mixing tomatoes, onion, cilantro and hot peppers in one area. Place plants with the same watering and fertilizing needs together. It is important when you are growing your own plants for consumption to think ‘green’ and organic. Try lady bugs and praying mantis to control pests in the garden. Container gardening has become extremely popular. Group containers together instead of spreading them out for greater impact. Containers of the same color or materials keeps small spaces from feeling cluttered. Under plant a citrus trees with mint and edible flowers. They look wonderful in large containers and are perfect by a patio or outdoor kitchen. Think outside the box when container gardening. An old wheelbarrow full flowering annuals, vintage pot full of herbs, colander with mixed lettuce and tea cups with mint make a whimsical statement. Anything that holds soil and has good drainage can be turned into garden art. Recycle and re purpose whenever possible. An all white garden is magical under the moonlight. If you spending evenings outdoors the Night blooming Jasmine or Queen of the Night plants are a must.Plant a scented garden anywhere there is a path, window or entertaining area. Lavender is perfect along walkways.
	Be creative. In your garden space you can use colors that you normally would not use in your home. Use all of the elements in your garden water, wind and fire. When ever possible use natural or recycled products. The foundation of Xerioscaping is the planning and maintaining water-efficient landscapes. This type of gardening works best in arid climates. By using native and drought tolerant plants you will do your part to save water and keep your costs down. Drought tolerant non-invasive plants: *Ground cover* Ivy Geranium* Day Lilly Gaxania Sunries Yellow Lilly of the Nile* Manzanita* Mexican Evening PrimroseTrailing African Daisy Verbena* Lantan MontevidenYarrowSedumCoyote BrushIce Plant *Perennials* Autumn SageLavanderBlack SageBlanket FlowerCarmel CreeperCheckerbloomCoreopsisDesert Beard TongueGarden PenstemonHesperaloeMatillija PoppyMonkey FlowerSea Lavander *Shurbs* Lavander*Blue HibiscusSagebrushGeraldton WaxfowerIsland Bush SnapdragoonNevin's Barberry(Pink MelaleucarosemaryBlue-eyed GrassCopper Canyon* Mock Orange DaisyPenstemonNeedlegrassBottleburshJajoba OleanderMock OrangeNatal PlumIndian HawthorneHevenly BambooFairy DusterEvergreen CurrantCleveland Sage Cape Plumbago* California LilacCalifornia FuchsiaBush AnemoneBrittlebrushSword FernTam JuniperToyonWooly Blue CurlsWormwoodYew PineRockrosePride of MadeiraXylosmaYew PineLemonade BerryMescal BeanFlannel Bush* Vines BougianvilleaCat's ClawCalifornia Wild GrapeCalifornia Dutchman's PipeCape HoneysuckleClematisCommon Trumpet CreeperCup-of-goldRoyal Trumpet VineWisteria Turf* BuffalograssHybrid Bermudagrass Victoria Zoysigrass Trees* Strawberry TreeSweet BayChitalpaChilean MesquiteSwan Hill OliveAustralian WillowAfrican SumacAfghan PineCatalina IronwoodFloss Silk TreeHollyleaf Cherryhoney MesuitejacarandaLemon BottlebrushMexican RedbudMexican Fan PlamPink MelaleucaWestern RedbudDigger PineLemon GumBlack Locust*Blackwood Acacia

Green Tip
Trees and shrubs can create natural living walls. They functions as sound barriers, provide privacy and can add color and texture to the landscape.

Irrigation and drip systems are key to a healthy lawn and garden. They will
save you time and money.

A well lit yard adds security and safety. It can also highlight architecture and create focal points.