Xeriscaping- plant choices

I received my November 2009 issue of Sunset Magazine in the mail. I just love that magazine- they always have such great timely and applicable articles- ones that really apply to what I am doing. The “Go for the Glow” article has lots of inspiring photos and some ideas for plants.

I love the Smoke tree plant that they suggest. The second article that I found to be inspiring to our current Xeriscaping project is the “Arrivals Lounge”. Part two of the front yard make-over is a front deck, and the combination of concrete and wood in the Sunset article is great.

Sunset’s website has lots of ideas for drought-tolerant plants. They also have a great list of resources to get money back on your water-saving equipment and drought-tolerant plants. They list many westen states, as well as a link to rebates offered by the State of California. Just type in your zip code to see what is being offered.

Drought smart plants: a great listing of plants offered with photos and descriptions.

Dry gardening: names of plants and some links for more info.

Here are some of the plants that I am currently considering:

• Eryngium variegatum: variegated sea holly- a tough plant for harsh conditions.
• Lavender
• Matricaria aurea- golden feverfew, which has chartreuse lobed foliage covered in summer with gold centered white daisies. It is supposed to keep flies away.
• Oregano – drought hardy, and beloved by bees and great for tasty cooking
• Thyme- also makes for tasty food

As many of my friends know, I love the idea of keeping bees. Bees help pollinate flowers, they are known for making honey (a tasty treat), and are hard workers. And, as many people know, the honey bees has fallen on some hard times lately with the colony collapse disorder.

Many people don’t know that there are many kinds of bees- not just Honey Bees. Solitary bees are the most common types of bees. They are a great bee to start the beekeeping experience. They can live in small blocks like this one offered by Knox Cellars. Knox Cellars also offers paper sleeves so that the bee homes can be kept clean.

Here’s a cool article on native bees. I will post about bees often, as I have many thoughts about them- they are such great animals that provide so many things.

For now, we continue to work on the front yard to make it more drought tolerant.

Wish us luck, and check back on the Xeriscaping progress. Here’s a link to all the posts.