MARY HURLBUT
Gallardo says the main benefit of droughtresistant plants is water savings . Once established , a native and drought-resistant landscape requires infrequent watering and less hands-on maintenance than a traditional garden . Native plants also provide habitat and food for local pollinators and wildlife .
Landscape architect Ann Christoph agrees that since the area has a climate featuring long periods without rainfall , drought-resistant plantings help to sustain landscapes continuously without great investments of water or extra maintenance . Not to mention , these landscapes look more appropriate to the region , she says .
Succulents , native to arid regions , thrive in Southern California gardens .
WEEDING THROUGH PLANT CHOICES Christoph explains that drought-resistant options include a variety of succulents and other leafy plants adapted to the local climate with deep roots , the ability to catch moisture in the air and funnel it to the roots , and hardened leaves that reduce transpiration . These types of plants are in the hillsides and greenbelt and in the other Mediterranean regions of the world . A comprehensive plan is needed to produce a drought-resistant landscape that also meets the needs of a home setting .
“ Pick the ones that are easiest to grow and that will fit into the space you have available . Baccharis pilularis prostrate hybrids ( coyote brush ) is a good one to start with ,” Christoph advises . “ Encelia californica ( coast sunflower ) is another one that is easy to grow . Some native plants are so adapted to drought that they don ’ t do well in a garden setting where there is likely to be supplemental watering .”
Planning these types of gardens can be complex , but landscape architects specialize in this task . Gallardo recommends working with a licensed landscape contractor for just this reason .
“ Each landscape has unique needs and there isn ’ t a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone ,” Gallardo says . “ Do some research and ask around to see if anyone you know may have recently made changes to their landscaping that you like . Don ’ t be afraid to borrow ideas or designs from other successful landscapes .”
Wisteria is one — perhaps surprisingly — drought-tolerant plant recommended by Ruben Flores , owner of Laguna Nursery and landscape design firm Visionscape .
“ The wisteria is a grand showstopper ,” he says . “ The fragrance of the wisteria is heavenly , the showers of bloom are so soft and cascading . It is fast growing , but still takes time for it to cover a large expanse [ such ] as … [ an ] arbor or a wall trellis , but well worth the wait . … The wisteria is highly drought tolerant can endure even in the most severe heat and cold — truly a favorite of most gardeners .”
When it comes to lawns , Christoph doesn ’ t recommend using artificial turf as a replacement for real grass because , although it may seem like a good way to mitigate water usage , it requires a substantial initial investment and will need to be removed and replaced after some time , which creates more plastic waste . She also recommends utilizing a spray system with rigid pipes for watering because they are more reliable than drip systems and also moisten and clean surrounding leaves . She notes that it ’ s necessary to carefully adjust the spray system to avoid run-off onto adjacent paved areas .
“ A real lawn is much better environmentally and functionally ,” she says . “ But lawn areas should be confined to spaces where they are needed for use — for play or walking , not just to fill in areas you don ’ t know what to do with . Those are places for ground covers and shrubs .”
She says the watering frequency for this type of landscape depends on the weather , as well as the sun and shade pattern and the stage of life of the plants used . She recommends looking at a plant as one would a growing child — be sensitive to its needs . She also notes how important soil tests are in choosing plant material to assure the success of planting : Many drought-tolerant plants don ’ t do well in clay soil , so it ’ s best to know what you ’ re working with in advance .
34 FALL / WINTER 2023 / 24 | LATITUDE33MAGAZINE . COM