Call it what you may, we are seeing signs of an early spring in this part of the country. There is green grass peeking out of my lawn here & there and a few flower bulbs are heading out towards the sunlight too.
Does this mean we'll have a dry summer ? Perhaps if the rain doesn't come we will, considering what little snow we had this year ( just ask the skiers up at Cypress Mnt. ! ) Therefore, when planning our spring planting what can one do ?
Well for a start... PLAN ! Sketch out your yard... note your soil types, hot spots, shady spots etc .
Do you have spots where nothing seems to grow ? How about a nice rock garden there ? Maybe some mulch & a garden statue instead of a flower bed....just think... no watering... no weeding... no mowing !
You can also think about different plant varieties and their individual water needs.... native ( choose non invasive ) plants usually fair better than imports in areas of extreme weather ( like ours ) Don't force plants to grow where they aren't comfortable or you'll be wasting water , time & energy ( yours ! ) trying to maintain them. Transplant unhappy plants in spring or early autumn.
Mulch well to conserve water and ask for water efficient or drought resistant plants in dry areas.
When choosing your seeds ( or bedding plants) this year, be sure to ask at the nursery for water wise varieties so you won't be a slave to the water bucket if the rains don't arrive ! Happy Planting !
