Also, including certain drought-adapted plant communities can result in water savings and lawn replacement has become a growing trend throughout the state. But once the lawn is gone, then what? Here is a crash course in garden design. The same principles can be used with any design, but with locally adapted California natives, we pay special attention to appropriate soils, watering regimes and plant communities. 

First analyze the existing site: Determine if the soil texture from a 4”-6” depth is sand, silt, or clay or a combination.(Loam is an equal combination of all three.) If a moist sample sticks together when squeezed, it contains more clay; if it falls apart, it contains more sand. Soil texture affects drainage rates, water needs, oxygen availability and fertility. To determine the drainage rate, dig a hole, fill it with water and see how long it takes to drain. Clay takes longer to drain, while sand drains fastest. 

On a diagram, note slopes, views that could be screened, borrowed or framed, shade/sun patterns as they change throughout the year, human uses and circulation requirements, legal setbacks and codes, and existing trees to keep. If near wildland, the landscape elements will have to conform to local fire codes (e.g. flammable invasive vs. fire-resistant non-invasive plant species, spacing guidelines, fire-resistant structures) and irrigated ‘defensible space’ may need to be part of the design. 

To learn more about planting a native plant garden visit.