Serious gardeners love living in North County San Diego. Our temperate year-round climate means that gardening can be on the schedule nearly every day of the year. But you don’t have to be a serious gardener to enjoy a beautiful landscape. With a little know-how and effort, you can create a beautiful yard for your North County home that is easy to care for and drought resistant. You just need to pick the right combination of plants and flowers. That’s why we’ve created a list of what we would call the “rock stars” of the California garden. Choose any of these plants or flowers for your North County home to enjoy a lovely and low-maintenance garden throughout the year!
Natives
Perhaps one of the easiest choices to make in your North County garden is to use plants that are native to Southern California. They have adapted to our local conditions and are usually tough enough to withstand dry weather. In addition, planting natives can be beneficial to local insects and wildlife that are important to our wider ecosystem. Some of our favorite low-maintenance native plants include California poppy, coastal sagebrush, blue mountain lilac, canyon prince wild rye, iris, globemallow, and pink morning glory.
Succulents and Cacti
If you really want to have a water-wise garden, then succulents and cacti are the way to go. These plants require very little water or maintenance and provide visual interest for the entire year. Some may need protection from frost or from strong sun, but you’ll find that these types of plants are incredibly hardy. Some of the best succulents and cacti for our area include agave, aloe, euphorbia, yucca, and prickly pear. These can be planted in the ground or in containers and are extremely easy to care for either way.
Shrubs and Bushes
Shrubs and bushes provide the backbone of your North County garden. They give your landscape structure and can even be grown into a living fence. They also provide food and habitats for local wildlife and birds. Shrubs and bushes are typically low maintenance and can help to absorb sound. That makes them a great choice if you’re trying to reduce traffic noise at home. Some of the best choices for shrubs and bushes in North County include Italian cypress, privet, boxwood, and even bamboo. Just be aware that certain types of bamboo can be incredibly aggressive, so be sure to plant it properly or choose a variety that stays contained.
Trees
Trees are the finishing touch for all North County gardens. They can grow majestically tall and bathe us in their shade on hot afternoons. Many Southern California trees also feature beautiful blooms that perfume the air. Once established, trees need very little attention other than occasional pruning and watering. There are a wide variety of trees suitable for our North County climate to choose from. Some of our favorites include magnolia, jacaranda, crape myrtle, and California fan palm.
Contact the Clark & Gilman Team Today
Having a beautiful garden is one of the joys of owning a home. If you’re ready to find your new North County home, then contact the Clark & Gilman Team at (760) 758-1211 or email today!
