Orange County xeriscape problem
madabouteu
9 years ago
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Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
9 years agoCampion Walker Landscapes
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Inexpensive, quality soil amendment in Orange County
Comments (13)Hi sanda- I am the person who originally posted this. I put the compost down on top of my regular mulch around the end of July. It's about 4 - 6 inches thick. When I water, the water runs right through the compost layer to the soil below and the compost is acting like a mulch to keep the topsoil moist. It does work as a mulch, but due to the fine texture of the compost, it is gradually sifting past the old mulch down into the soil. So, I would not say it replaces mulch, which sits on top of the soil, but it is acting like mulch for now. But, again, due to the compost's fine texture, you may want to mulch on top of the compost with something bulkier & heavier, especially if it is very windy in your area. Hope that helps! S-mom...See MoreOrange County Tree suggestions for front yard (criteria included)
Comments (15)I was admiring a pair of Arbutus a couple of weeks ago. They were planted over ground cover so fruit drop and bird poop were not a problem. Crape myrtle, on the other hand seem to mildew badly for me, here in Orange. Of course, my favorite tree is probably not a good choice, but if you have the right conditions, a coast live oak is a fine tree. When we moved into our house in February, 2005 I almost pulled up a "weed" in the parking strip which was actually a newly sprouted acorn that still had seed leaves and only four true leaves. I left it alone and shut off the sprinklers to the juniper in that strip (not so good for the junipers). By early spring, 2011 it had grown into a bush about 6' tall. The city came out to trim the sweet gums in our neighborhood about that time. One of the sweet gums in the other parking strip was diseased and planted too close to the sewer line. However, before it could be cut down, the city forester had to come out and sign off on the plan. Well indeed he did the next day. I was sure that my oak would be toast once he saw the tree growing in my (really the city's) parking strip. To my amusement, however, he took one look at the oak bush, pulled his pruning shears out of a pocket, and limbed it up into a tree. He didn't mind the contraband tree as long as it wasn't badly grown. My baby had grown up. It's actually about 8' tall this year and starting to look like a tree. I'm prejudiced, but I think it's beautiful. There are no other oaks in the neighborhood so it's origin is a mystery....See MoreAdvice for Shrub (Orange County)
Comments (25)I hate to say it but I like Tecoma capensis for your space. Its size (leaves & flowers) are a better proportion for your side yard than a hydrangea. And the bright orange flowers fit the theme of tropicals (the palm) and would show well against the light house. Plus you seem to like the intense colors. When our drizzler is over I'll try to get a pic of one that's been kept as a hedge. Not cut back like goblue's photo which I love. It's solid so you would get privacy, as well as light blockage. I don't know the names of spike topped plants - Home Depot has some. They are effective in such a situation if not too fast growing. Overall the garden needs some height and unity. If I wanted maintenance free I'd use Nandina against the fence as well as between the palm and Kangaroo Paw. I'd relocate the red carpet roses in that spot to continue the line to the street of the ones planted between the entryway uprights - can't see what the bed situation is there. The urn on a pedestal could be placed elsewhere....See Moreorange county california
Comments (13)There are a few choices that you can you. A quartz flagstone is one. There is also brick which is not the most popular style nowadays. There is poured in place concrete coping which comes in many styles and colors along with pre-cast which is very similar to poured in place but is made by a third party and made in 2' long segments. Then there is travertine and natural stone that is cut into a bull nose. It all depends on what style you are going for and also the theme of your yard. The first thing I would do is to figure out what you are using the pool for. Then what kind of tastes do you have. Are you more formal, traditional, rustic, contemporary. What kind of art do you enjoy.What do you like to do when your not working. What colors do you like.You have to know what all the materials will do for the look and what you can expect of them. Pools and yards are becoming more art than they are recreational bodies of water. You have to remember in Southern California your yard is an extension of your house. 90% of the time you will be looking at your pool not in it. Your kids will be in it all the time but they leave eventually. You hope! LOL. The days of kidney bean shape pools are long gone. This is a big decision financially and esthetically. You want to make sure that you are happy with it not what your "pool designer" thinks is a good idea....See Moreandy_e
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