Simple landscape advice for So Cal

4 years ago

I am in Los Angeles and after remodeling my house and neglecting my yard it is an eyesore. I plan to do major landscaping within the year but I'd like my house to have a little more curb appeal in the meantime. Probably more for my neighbors than for me. lol

Since this is going to be a temporary situation I'm looking to do something that is as easy and inexpensive as possible. What I envision is covering the front yard with mulch and scattering a few plants around. After the work I've had done the sprinklers don't work and I don't want to be out there tending to my plants on a regular basis. I'm that guy who can't keep a house plant alive so I need loooow maintenance plants. I've got some plants growing on the property that seem invincible, I have never watered them and they never die. So something like that would be great!

What are some good hardy plants that will do well in L.A. climate? If here is anything that has red and yellow flowers that would be fantastic. Someone at a nursery recommended liriope, lantana and senecio. Something like this photo is what I envision doing but I'm open to other suggestions if you have any.

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Comments (6)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
If you plan on doing "major landscaping" within the year, then I probably wouldn't bother with the expense and effort to do a quick cosmetic fix. Without a functioning irrigation system, you will need to be out there on a routine basis. And lacking that, any plantings will struggle and fail.

In the meantime, find a garden designer experienced with 'California Friendly' (aka drought tolerant/water-wise and fire resistant) landscape design and plant selection. Once a well-conceived design plan has been formulated - and that can take some time - then you can focus on amending and repairing the irrigation to match. And in your climate, an earlier season planting (like spring) is more desirable than waiting until summer or even fall. Winter works well, too.

If you are unfamiliar with the plants suited to your area, a good designer is invaluable with both plant selection and placement. And you can do the installation work yourself to save money.
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Sara Malone Zone 9b
4 years ago
Try some succulents. If you have friends who have some, you can beg, borrow (or steal, I suppose) pups from them. You can even just plant them in planters and move them around later. There are aloes and agaves (and others) that can be large and attractive. Go to the Huntington Gardens and check out theirs. They are amazing.

https://www.gardendesign.com/succulents/huntington-botanical.html
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JoJo (Nevada 9A)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I second the idea of planting succulents, and mulching with decorative gravel (not organic mulch). Instead of spending the money on installing an irrigation system and water bills, spend it on agaves, cactus, aloes, yuccas, small palms and flowering shrubs native to California.

Water-wise gardens can be surprisingly green and luscious. If the landscape below can be done in Arizona...

(Sorry don't know whom to credit)
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stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
4 years ago
Firesticks always catches the eye...wherever its put,it stands out. Blue Senecio under it is classic.

You could go natives..but then you really need to research that. Native does not mean easy.
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socks
4 years ago
I find liriope invasive. Lantana is great. Don’t use gravel because if you don’t want it in the re-landscape....too bad. Whatever you plant will need some water, don’t forget.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
4 years ago
“I'm that guy who can't keep a house plant alive”

Luckily keeping plants happy outdoors is generally far easier than inside. Indoors they’re totally reliant on you. Outside they are freer to make their own way, whatever you do or don’t do.

Simple landscape advice for So Cal

Comments (6)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Sara Malone Zone 9b

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JoJo (Nevada 9A)

stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area

socks

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

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