Landscaping in shade with California native plants
After
Before
Shade is an important commodity in many parts of California. You can make a beautiful drought tolerant, fire resistant, garden. Without water you can greatly improve the health of your mature oak trees by planting native understory plants. You can have a lush green garden in summer without water! Your oak trees and the wild life will thank you.
Some
things to keep in mind when planning your shade garden.
Dry
shade means dry! We do not water it. The moisture it gets is from
rainfall only (usually around 15 in). In our demonstration garden
these plants occur under mature oaks which can not handle garden
water.
Get rid of the weeds! Invasive grasses, yellow star thistle and other nasties are enemies to your oaks. Don't till! This will only damage the oak roots and stimulate weed growth.
Mulch
lots! Mulch helps hold in moisture, adds nutrients to the soil,
aerates the soil, and gives a place for all those good garden
organisms to live. You will only have to do this once after that
your oaks should provide mulch for you.
Don't forget that shade is different on the coast from in the interior. Many coastal plants that like full sun or part shade would prefer full shade in the interior. Interior plants that like full shade are often happier on the coast in sun.
Many species that like full sun will grow in shade but may not flower much.
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