We've been reading about the restrictions on California water this week, and though 25% reduction from 2013 levels does not amount to a lot, it is better than nothing. People have been expressing reluctance to let their lawns brown, their expensive landscaping die, Comments abound about brown and grey landscapes, people replacing their gardens with stones, painting their front yards green - no need. Below the orange cheeze whizze are photos of my California native plant garden.
As you can see, it's not brown or grey. I don't water it. Birds love the shade, cover, and food. And it's by no means unique. Googling "California native plant gardens" will show you stunning photos of superior landscaping done with natives.
These plants are under 80 foot tall oaks. The light is dappled, the soil slightly acid. I started this garden in 2005 when the sewer came in and tore up the front yard. I decided to put in a native plant garden, and to duplicate as much as possible what was here before Ken Marshall built these houses, back in the `70's. Fortunately, the county open space is just up the road so all I had to do was walk out the door a few steps and note the plants growing under the oaks and in the meadows. When I started this project I replaced the soil 1 cubic foot at a time. The first year I had nothing to show but ground cover. But by year 6 it was all pretty well in and it's been simply infill since then.