Montecito garden entry filled with colorful drought tolerant plants. Bougainvillea, star jasmine, citrus and a variety of succulents all thrive in our Mediterranean climate
End of Summer Garden Secrets
Summer still has another month to go and your garden might be suffering a tiny bit after this long, hot dry spell. Here are 5 secrets (really) to a happier, healthier and more beautiful end-of-summer garden.
Montecito drought tolerant landscape design full of Mediterranean and California native plants; Matilija Poppy, Mexican sage, lavender, ivy geranium, calandrinia, and lions tail
Chose wisely
The key to a successful garden any time of year is making good choices in the first place (that sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it). This means using plants that thrive in our dry Mediterranean climate. Note the word, thrive. With the ongoing drought this is vital. What thrives in Greece, Sardinia, south of France, coast of Spain? Olives, figs, citrus, rosemary, lavender, bougainvillea, sage and ivy geranium are just a few of the many Mediterranean plants that also work in our area. But there are many others. Add in California natives and succulents and you are set.
A thick layer of mulch preserves soil moisture and protects plants from heat. It’s also a quick and easy way to make your garden look better in a hurry
2. Mulch
Laying down a thick layer of mulch is smart for the soil, for your plants, for the planet and it helps make your garden shine. Mulch should be 3-6 inches thick on the bare ground, not at the base of the plants. The best mulch is also FREE! Tree companies will dump chips at your property no charge. This one action can cut your landscape water needs by 50%!
This drought tolerant landscape design in Montecito is filled with roses, scented geranium, Mexican sage, Mexican marigold, rosemary, lavender, thyme and fruit trees and is deeply mulched .
3. The best thing to do is nothing
At the end of a dry summer the plants are stressed and when plants are stressed they conserve energy by slowing growth, that period of little or no growth is called “Dormancy”. California natives, for example, are dormant in the summer, to conserve their energy while there is little water. That is why natives should be planted in the fall in the hopes of there being winter rain.
Pruning stimulates growth. If you know anything about growing roses, you know that they need a “rest period” once a year and pruning them brings them out of dormancy. At the end of summer the best thing to do is nothing but deadheading. Let your plants rest.
An automatic irrigation controller is essential for any garden particularly in times of drought
4. maintain drip irrigation
These days, all new projects are installed with water saving drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigation but it needs maintenance. When it is first installed it is designed to water new plants. After a year or two, the system needs adjustment to accommodate maturing plants and trees. Established trees and shrubs don’t need as much water. Native plants, in fact, can be taken off irrigation all together after a few years.
If you have been maintaining a deep layer of mulch and leaves, your plants can be “trained” to use only the amount of water you give them. So an automatic controller is essential.
Periodically, check the drip lines for leaks. Leaks happen for a variety of reasons. Vermin, particularly during drought eat through the drip lines looking for water, a gardener can accidentally nick a line, dogs have been known to bit off the emitters as a fun game. Watch it when it is running. You’ll see a geyser or water pooling if there is a break in the line.
In the winter when it does rain. Turn the system off. These days there are controllers that are controlled by satellite and will automatically turn off when it rains.
Custom comfy couches around custom built stainless steel fire pit on gravel patio the custom furniture selected and designed by Jeffrey Allan Marks, inc.
5. celebrate end of summer in style
Now that you’re finished with your garden tasks, take the time to enjoy your personal oasis with family or friends. A garden’s purpose is to create sanctuary from the outside world. A garden is meant to be lived in, played in and enjoyed. Summer nights are the ideal time to splurge in your garden’s beauty and ambience and is the perfect time to fill the garden with your presence and joy. If you need some help with this, contact us for a Free Home Garden Consultation.