foreground/mid-ground/background - 2017
Post on 13-Apr-2017
34 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. CountyProject SOUND – 2017 (our 13th year)
© Project SOUND
Foreground, Mid-ground & Background:
vertical space and the well-designed garden
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH (emeritus) & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh PreserveFebruary 9 & 11, 2017
This year we’re featuring small gardens
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/ggmaas/exterior-home/
We’re going to be spending the next few months designing a small suburban ‘garden’
© Project SOUND
The classic ranch house looks very much like many built from 1950-1970’s
© Project SOUND
http://design-milk.com/backyard-blues-landscaping-yard-design/
You know the kind of backyard we’re talking about
http://www.artificialgrass-irvine.com/grassphotos/artificial-grass-installation-johannesburg-california/651/
See the whole darned thing from the living room
Side yard looks like a box canyon
The best view is one never seen
The configuration of the yard presents some design challenges
Relatively large garage in front yard
Proportionately large front yard – currently not well utilized
Narrow side yards
Shallow, wide backyard –one of the more difficult layouts to design around
Funky, under-used patio
© Project SOUND
65’
25’
First you need to consider two questions:
1. Views for whom?
2. Do you want your (small) backyard garden to:
look larger than it is? or do want to accentuate
the look of a small, cozy garden?
or do you want a little of both?
© Project SOUND
Start with views from indoors & from attached (to house) outdoor hardscape
Views from windows Views when you open a
door View(s) from the front
porch Views from the back patio
© Project SOUND
Look critically at the views from your windows, doors, porches – do you like what you see?
A view for who(m)? : Public views
© Project SOUND
http://gardkebun.website/7993/garden-design-ideas-southern-california.html
http://imanada.com/nu/215538/garden/
Outdoor vistas are more flexible – within constraints Views from the street
and sidewalk (public view)
Views from the entry walkway (public view)
Views from patio
Any other vista you wish to define
© Project SOUND
Get on out & look
Views of garden(s)
Include both public and private views – both important
Include (both important):
Some views that are ‘fixed’ or constrained due to relatively permanent hardscape (windows; doors; street; etc.)
Other views that are more flexible
© Project SOUND
https://ocjackie.com/2012/08/27/some-of-my-favorite-plants-for-so-cal-gardens/
https://www.pinterest.com/ggmaas/exterior-home/
The latter are more prevalent than most think – and allow us to consider space creatively
First you need to consider two questions:
1. Views for whom?
2. Do you want your (small) backyard garden to:
look larger than it is? or do want to accentuate
the look of a small, cozy garden?
or do you want a little of both?
© Project SOUND
Which look fits your site, needs and concept of the ‘perfect garden’?
© Project SOUND
Large and expansive (larger than the actual site)
Cozy and contained (looks like a small garden)
http://seeingdesign.com/projects/plants-for-lazy-gardeners/
Let’s view the entire ‘private area’ as a blank slate
© Project SOUND
Where is the optimal place for outdoor dining? Spa?
What are the ‘best’ natural views
Are there any vistas (of faraway, pleasant sights)
What can we do to make the whole look larger?N
WE
S
Site characteristics suggest some functional areas
© Project SOUND
Shade from neighbor’s house/ trees make shady spot for dining & seating
Dining area should be as close to kitchen as possible
The side of the neighbor’s house - ??
Shady seating/ hot tub
Dining
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/outdoor/21964/
Designers trick: unify with hardscape
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/quercusgd/garden-design-key-principles/
http://www.gardenista.com/posts/steal-this-look-modern-brooklyn-backyard-on-a-budget/
Note: designers also made these areas appear longer by echoing the site’s longest dimension with the hardscape
Let’s connect the shady areas with hardscape
© Project SOUND
Gravel hardscape allows access to both areas
It also ties the two areas together
And it makes a small space appear larger
Shady seating/hot tub
Dining
We can make the entire area appear larger by using the same gravel throughout
© Project SOUND
Use of similar hardscape materials: Makes the eye view
different areas as parts of a whole design
Makes small yards appear larger, more expasive
The materials don’t have to be the same – just similar Same/similar color Same/similar shape
Repetition
Shady seating/ hot tub
Dining
Use the same/similar pathway materials to unify a garden and make it appear larger
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/juliettevanzyve/garden/
More tricks to making it look like you have more space (than you actually have)
Divide the area up
Corollary: Don’t show all the cards in your hand at once – create a sense of mystery
© Project SOUND
http://www.turning-earth.co.uk/news/index.php/2013/
Dividing our backyard space also gives the two areas a little privacy
© Project SOUND
Separate the shady from the sunny area
Add narrow screen
We’ve now divided the small yard into three rooms: Shady seating/hot tub Al fresco dining All the rest
Surprisingly, the backyard seems larger than when we viewed it all as one room
Shady seating/ hot tub
Dining
Lay out the proposed areas: walk them, sit in them, live in them
© Project SOUND
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/structures/how-to-design-an-outdoor-waterfall
What else do we want to be able to do in our garden (besides soaking & eating)?
Sit and read Meditate Do our exercises Have a cup of
coffee in morning sun
Bird watch Smell the aromas Enjoy a special
view Write/paint
© Project SOUND
https://lapelusodesigns.com/blog/
Placement of additional seating areas
Should take advantage of site attributes: sun/shade
Should make the most of significant vistas
Looks best if well integrated into landscape
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/amanthawalden/gardens/
Let’s consider possible views in the main garden area
© Project SOUND
What are the ‘best’ natural views
Are there any vistas (of faraway, pleasant sights)
What can we do to make the whole look larger?
Shady seating
Dining
Distant views OK
Dis
tant
vie
ws
OK
What are our key vistas? It depends…
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/105130972531729525/
http://rogersgardens.com/design-ideas/
Features that might make a particular backyard view attractive
Vista of far-away natural features (hills, trees, ocean)
Neighbor’s trees and shrubs Attractive plants in your own yard A (potentially) attractive blank wall Pretty wall, fence, gate Other attractive hardscape ‘expansive’ feeling ‘enclosed’ feeling Anything else you like to see or feel
© Project SOUND
We add several small seating areas based on our assessment of the views
© Project SOUND
What are the ‘best’ natural views
Are there any vistas (of faraway, pleasant sights)
What can we do to make the whole look larger?
Shady seating/hot tub
Dining
Distant views OK
Dis
tant
vie
ws
OK
Today we’re just going to focus on one area
© Project SOUND
The area is viewed as a whole (for now)
The area is relatively small (45’ x 25’)
There are OK distant views (both directions)
The area is sunny
We want it to be water-wise overall
We want to make the whole look larger
Shady seating/hot tub
Dining
Distant views OK
Dis
tant
vie
ws
OK
What style of water-wise Mediterranean garden?
© Project SOUNDhttp://gardengates.info/category/landscaping-and-landscapes/southern-california-landscaping-design/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/426364289694847260/
We’ll feature S. CA native plants
How to design a life-friendly Mediterranean style garden…
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212865519863542396/
…that looks larger than really it is?
The same is true in larger gardens, and those located near wild lands
© Project SOUNDhttp://www.anglotopia.net/anglophilia/top-12-english-gardens-gardens-in-england-worth-a-visit/
But what provides a background in smaller, urban & suburban gardens?
Distant ‘borrowed’ features: trees, hills/mountains (if available)
Smaller evergreen trees/large shrubs
Walls and fences
Walls of adjacent structures
Free-standing screens (planted or not)
© Project SOUND
How do we create a sense of distance (given small areas and a combination of natural & artificial (hardscape) backgrounds) ?
When you take a painting class, you learn about the importance of perspective
© Project SOUND
http://www.mariewise.com/2015/11/01/notre-dame-cathedral-the-final/
e.g., how to trick the eye into perceiving depth in a two-dimensional painting
Illusion works – particularly when well done
© Project SOUND
http://www.nhm.org/site/explore-exhibits/permanent-exhibits/north-american-mammals http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ross-macphee/natural-history-dioramas-_b_1975451.html
http://wallpaper-gallery.net/wallpapers/frozen-wallpaper-hd.html
Several principles of perspective create the illusion of depth
Closer objects overlapobjects further away.
Objects/shapes become smaller the farther away they are; this is the principle of linear perspective.
© Project SOUND
Several principles of perspective create the illusion of depth
Closer objects overlapobjects further away.
Objects/shapes become smaller the farther away they are; this is the principle of linear perspective.
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212865519863542396/
Several principles of perspective create the illusion of depth
Line/lines draw viewers into the depth of a painting and/or tap into our visual dictionaries.
We immediately interpret lines (roads, paths, etc.) as familiar three-dimensional shapes
© Project SOUND
http://www.celebratingcolor.com/ultimate-guide-for-atmospheric-perspective/
Several principles of perspective create the illusion of depth
Line/lines draw viewers into the depth of a painting and/or tap into our visual dictionaries.
We immediately interpret lines (roads, paths, etc.) as familiar three-dimensional shapes
© Project SOUND
http://www.celebratingcolor.com/ultimate-guide-for-atmospheric-perspective/
Creating the illusion of depth (painting)
As space recedes
1. Details become blurred if not completely lost.
2. Edges become gradually softer the further the distance you want to portray.
© Project SOUND
http://www.celebratingcolor.com/ultimate-guide-for-atmospheric-perspective/
http://www.nhm.org/site/explore-exhibits/permanent-exhibits/north-american-mammals
Creating the illusion of depth (garden design)
As space recedes
1. Details become blurred if not completely lost.
2. Edges become gradually softer the further the distance you want to portray.
© Project SOUND
http://www.interiorholic.com/outdoors/landscaping/japanese-stroll-garden-designs/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
Creating the illusion of depth (painting)
As space recedes
3. Color (hue) becomes cooler.
4. Color becomes less intense and more de-saturated or neutralized (grayed, grayed pastels or cool bluish shades).
5. The contrast between shapes and values diminishes.
© Project SOUND
http://www.celebratingcolor.com/ultimate-guide-for-atmospheric-perspective/
https://sotafoundations1.wordpress.com/2016/04/25/new-project-3d-environment/
Creating the illusion of depth (garden design)
As space recedes
3. Color (hue) becomes cooler.
4. Color becomes less intense and more de-saturated or neutralized (grayed, grayed pastels or cool bluish tones).
5. The contrast between shapes and values diminishes.
© Project SOUNDhttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/550565123167535855/
Why is the concept of foreground, mid-ground and background important for gardens?
Permits good use of limited space
Helps add visual interest
Allows you to place plants of different sizes appropriately (so one doesn’t block another)
Helps you choose plants/hardscape with appropriate characteristics
Allows you to make a garden seem larger (or smaller) than it really is
© Project SOUND
http://hubpages.com/living/Front-Yard-Landscaping-How-to-Design-for-Depth
Garden perspective – the Realtor’s point of view
I have just a small balcony. Is perspective important for my garden design?
Mais oui!
You can make your balcony garden look larger or smaller - if you understand how to use these principles
© Project SOUND
http://www.findpeaceandquiet.com/page-archive/lifestyles-luhrs.html
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/393150242453181538/
http://www.nhm.org/site/explore-exhibits/permanent-exhibits/north-american-mammals
Today we’ll use perspective to improve views from the two sunny seats
© Project SOUND
The area is relatively small (45’ x 25’); want to make it look larger
There are OK distant views (both directions)
We’ll need to incorporate the distant landscape in a way that:
Integrates garden & distant features
Makes the garden appear larger
Shady seating/hot tub
Dining
Distant views OK
Dis
tant
vie
ws
OK
Using ‘borrowed’ landscapes as background
© Project SOUND
http://annemariehall.com/rustic-santaluz-estate/
http://blogqpot.com/images/southern%20california%20native%20garden%20design
Good ‘borrowed’ backgrounds need to be integrated into the design of the garden
http://www.yardshare.com/yard/E3
Transitions: smooth transitions between ‘outside’ and ‘inside’ suggest a larger space
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/ggmaas/exterior-home/
https://www.homebay.com/property/9-Lilac-St-Monterey-CA-93940-5413/55539799-4160-492e-9cc5-7c7c018969c4
This house has OK distant vistas – but the garden doesn’t utilize them – the garden appears separate (and smaller)
Designer used taller fence and plants to suggest that garden and distant landscapes be viewed as one – garden appears larger
Blending a garden background with a‘borrowed background’ – look carefully
The garden background should integrate the ‘borrowed’ with the garden’s mid- and foreground
The smaller the garden, the more difficult to do this successfully
Factors to consider when choosing an integrating background:
Color Size Scale & detail
© Project SOUND
http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/outdoor-spaces/features/small-garden-ideas-design
http://dlivingstondesign.com/donna-livingston-design-southern-california-life-garden/
The tale of two corners
Corner 1: good integration of garden background (hardscape & plants) and ‘borrowed’ background
© Project SOUND
Corner 2: neither hardscape nor plants help integrate garden background and ‘borrowed’ background. Result: looks like it was just thrown together with no real design.
https://www.homebay.com/property/9-Lilac-St-Monterey-CA-93940-5413/55539799-4160-492e-9cc5-7c7c018969c4
Creating depth requires careful use of color
Grayed, dark or muted/matt texture fences/walls recede; they integrate with ‘borrowed’ vistas and make a garden seem larger
Light, bright, shiny fences appear to advance (turn the fence into a diva); they make the garden seem smaller
© Project SOUND
http://wrapdcouture.com/small-garden-design-uk-gallery/
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ca/torrance/18816-patronella-avenue/pid_16019472/
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ca/torrance/23808-los-codona-avenue-6/pid_15860714/
Light and bright walls stick out like a sore thumb
Creating the illusion of depth requires choosing garden background of appropriate size
© Project SOUNDhttps://www.homebay.com/property/9-Lilac-St-Monterey-CA-93940-5413/55539799-4160-492e-9cc5-7c7c018969c4
https://www.pinterest.com/Vitexlucens/new-zealand-native-garden-designs/
Argh – fill the gaps (with hardscape or plants)
Like color, texture can also create the illusion of distance
Three categories of foliage texture:
Fine: lots of tiny leaves reflect lots of light and tends to form an airy whole.
Medium Coarse: large-leaves & lots of
gaps/shadows, creating a starker contrast between light and dark.
Like warm-colored plants, coarse-textured plants tend to catch the eye. They are accents.
Fine- textured plants, like plants with cool colors, demand less visual attention and therefore fade into the background and seem more distant. They make good background plants.
© Project SOUND
http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/scheffleraactinophylla.html
Creating the illusion of depth requires attention to scale & texture of background
© Project SOUND
http://www.designrulz.com/outdoor-design/garden/2012/05/10-awesome-fences-created-from-recycled-sports-gear/
http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Bushes-Red-Leaves-Hedge-Haie-Fleurie-Fothinia-891354
• Plants/hardscape that have too much detail or too coarse a texture will never appear to be far away
• For background, limit detail and choose fine texture
Let’s apply these concepts to designing a view from the middle seat
© Project SOUND
The distant vista (neighborhood trees) is pleasant
Need to soften the wall
Need to tie the garden to the distant views
What can we do to make the whole look larger?
Shady seating
Dining
Distant views OK
Dis
tant
vie
ws
OK
Plan big to small: start with trees, then shrubs, then perennials, then ground cover
© Project SOUND
Why?
These are the largest plants
They are most easily installed first – may require equipment
They will set the tone (be the backbone) for the entire garden
Since they are the background, you need to design mid- and foreground to contrast with them
Shady seating
Dining
Distant views OK
Dis
tant
vie
ws
OK
Characteristics of good background plants
Evergreen (at least mostly) Correct size
To blend inside with outside vistas
Not too big for space (consider final size)
Often dense, uniform foliage Smaller, simpler leaves Medium to dark color Dull (matt) leaf surface Grayed (tones rather than
tints)
© Project SOUND
Chamise - Adenostoma fasciculatum
Bywords: Background plants/hardscape
Recede into the distance unless there is a good design reason to do otherwise
Provide a neutral backdrop for plants and hardscape in front of them
© Project SOUND
http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/outdoor-spaces/features/small-garden-ideas-design
© Project SOUND
*Redberry Buckbrush – Rhamnus crocea
http://www.researchlearningcenter.org/bloom/species/Rhamnus_crocea.htm
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Redberry – wonderful habitat plant
Birds: Perching & nesting Insects Berries at time of fall
migration (Jays, Robins, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, Cedar Waxwings)
Hummingbirds & insects: nectar
Butterflies: larval food for Pale Swallowtail
Note: plant preparations also used as laxative; sold commercially under the name of Cascara Sagrada
http://www.hazmac.biz/030714/030714RhamnusCroceaPoster.html
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of Redberry Buckbrush
Size: 3-6+ ft tall; can be to 15 ft. 4-6 ft wide; can be to 10 ft.
Growth form: Medium to large woody shrub Many stiff branches (dense) Coastal forms tend to be
shorter, more sprawling Slow-growing, esp. at first
Foliage: Evergreen Simple, shiny dark-green
leaves Some thorns at branch tips
© 2007 Neal Kramer http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/redb3.htm
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=24163
© Project SOUND
Coffeeberry: another versatile, dense evergreen shrub
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Size: 6-12 ft tall (usually 8-10) 8-10 ft wide
Growth form: Evergreen shrub/small tree Mounded form; ultimately at
least as wide as tall Bark red, becoming gray Moderate growth rate; long lived
(several 100 yrs)
Foliage: Attractive, medium green Leaves simple, attractive; smaller &
thicker w/ less water
Deer love it!; Pale Swallowtail larva
© Project SOUND
Coffeeberry can be used in so many ways…
For erosion control on slopes; great combined with other CSS or chaparral plants
As an accent plant For backs of mixed beds Under oaks; great for
sun/shade transition zones Particularly suited for
hedging: Formal or informal
hedges, screens As a partner in hedgerows
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/rhamnus-californica
Too greenLeaves too large
© Project SOUND
*Jojoba – Simmondsia chinensis
http://rechercheorganics.blogspot.com/2013/01/wholly-jojoba.html
• Too big• Too pale a gray
© Project SOUND
Lyciums: good in water-wise gardens
For tall hedges, hedgerows and screens: semi-formal to informal (can be pruned to shape; even hedge-trimmed)
Pruned up as a small tree
Small leaves; dense foliage
Good shrub for attracting wide range of wildlife: Nectar Fruits Dense cover, nesting sites
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Lycium_brevipes.html
http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/detail.php?id=ASDM08603
© Project SOUND
CA Boxthorn: interesting or homely?
http://www.newportbay.org/plants/califboxthorn.html
Size: 3-6 ft tall (occas. taller) 4-8 ft wide (occasionally
wider)
Growth form: Dense, woody shrub Drought-deciduous Ends of branches have
thorns (hence ‘boxthorn’)
Foliage: Small, very succulent leaves
http://www.smmflowers.org/bloom/species/Lycium_californicum.htm
© Project SOUND
Wolfberry is a typical Boxthorn – all quite similar looking Size:
Usually 5-6 ft tall; to 10-12 ft To 10 ft wide; medium growth –
probably long-lived, even in gardens
Growth form: Mounded woody shrub Very densely branched – good cover;
thorns
Foliage: Small, fleshy leaves – larger with some
water Very different look from other foliage
– nice accent plant
Roots: deep; surface roots also – typical desert shrub; re-sprouts after fire or major damage/pruning
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
Flowers make the desert bloom
Blooms: in spring (Mar-May); depends on timing of winter rains
Flowers: Purple to white Small – but very nice shape & lots
of them - showy Good hummingbird and insect
pollinator plant
© Project SOUND
Easy to grow with benign neglect
Soils: Texture: must be well-drained –
sandy or gravelly is best pH: any local is fine Fine with salty soils, water,
maritime exposures
Light: Full sun is best Will take light shade (or some
afternoon shade) in hot gardens
Water: Winter: rains usually suffice;
don’t over-water in clay soils Summer: quite drought
tolerant; looks best in Zone1-2 to 2 in garden setting
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils –remember, it’s a desert plant
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Lycium_andersonii
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Boxthorns
Water-wise hedges As an accent plant; flowers &
foliage, red fruits As all-round good habitat plants:
food, cover, nest sites.
© 1998 Larry Blakely
Nice plant – probably better for larger yard
Why is Coyote bush a good choice?
© Project SOUND
Evergreen (at least mostly) Correct size
To blend inside with outside vistas
Not too big (consider final size)
Dense, uniform foliage Smaller, simpler leaves Medium to dark color Dull leaf surface Grayed (tones rather than
tints)
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/112--baccharis-pilularis-consanguinea
http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2009/06/in-praise-of-coyote-brush-baccharis.html
Could use low-growing forms in other parts of garden: repetition to unify design
© Project SOUND
‘Twin Peaks 2’
‘Pigeon Point’
Remember: repetition can be achieved using similar plants; cultivars can sometimes be very useful for this.
© Project SOUND
Birchleaf Mountain-mahogany – Cercocarpusmontanus vars. blancheae & glaber
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
A bit too tall and thin for our vision? Nice look – might want to choose small tree to maximize use of space
http://www.mswn.com/plants/database/plant/cercocarpus-montanus/
© Project SOUND
*Smooth mountain mahagony – Cercocarpus minutiflorus
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/sandiegonatives-blog?page=2
© Project SOUND
*Smooth mountain mahagony – Cercocarpus minutiflorus
J.S. Peterson, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=18743
Peninsula Ranges of Riverside, San Diego Co; northern Baja California
Chaparral < 1400 m. Leroy Abrams - Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club
37(3): 149, 151. 1910 AKA San Diego mountain mahagony; AKA -
Cercocarpus montanus var. minutiflorus
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/sandiegonatives-blog?page=2
© Project SOUND
Smooth mountain mahagony: large shrub
Size: 6-12 ft tall 8-12+ ft wide
Growth form: Several-trunked, large woody
shrub; evergreen Shape mounded; often wider than
tall in mature form Can be pruned to small tree Gray-brown bark Moderate growth rate
Foliage: Simple, rounded, small shiny leaves Medium to dark green; fairly dense
Roots: nitrogen-fixer
© Project SOUND
Excellent pollinator plant Blooms: in spring – March-May,
when weather warms up.
Flowers: Many flowers – but very small Simple, buff-colored flowers
– not showy Scent attracts many bee
pollinators
Seeds: Have long, fluffy tails Unusual and showy Silvery-gold when backlit –
very pretty Can be grown from fresh
seedhttp://www.answers.com/topic/dudleya
© Project SOUND
Good choice for garden
Soils: Texture: most; happiest in well-
drained pH: any local
Light: full sun to part-shade
Water: Winter: adequate winter water –
gets more in native habitat than in LA Co.
Summer: Occasional summer water once established (Zone 1-2 to 2; once a month or less). Don’t over-water – pretty drought tolerant.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: light to medium organic mulch is fine
http://www.worldbotanical.com/cercocarpus.htm
Has nice natural shape –needs little to no pruning
© Project SOUND
Useful background shrub Color and size make it appropriate for
many gardens – background shrub or small tree
Good habitat: cover and nest sites in addition to food
Like the open feel of the Cercocarpushttps://camissonia.blogspot.com/2015_02_01_archive.html
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/category/tags/san-diego-native-landscaping?page=3
Consider the light when planning views
© Project SOUND
http://prairiebreak.blogspot.com/2016/10/magic-of-botanic-garden-at-tilden-park.html
We have a background from both points of view
© Project SOUND
The background plants/ hardscape serve as the backdrop
Once we know what our background will look like, we can consider the mid-ground
Shady seating
Dining
We’re finally ready to consider the mid-ground
© Project SOUND
Plants/hardscape must be mid-size
Will be located in front of background
Often planted in ground –but may be in containers or planters
We must consider background and mid-ground from both seating areas
What can we do to make the whole look larger?
Shady seating
Dining
Characteristics of good mid-ground plantsfor a small garden
2-4+ ft tall (taller in larger garden); often wider than tall
Medium-size foliage
Any flavor of green
Best if evergreen; may include seasonally deciduous shrubs
May be dense or more open
May have attractive flowers or fruits, but chosen for foliage characteristics
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/428545720766011955/
Note: shrubs with lighter foliage are planted in front of those with darker foliage – makes yard look deeper
Mid-ground contrasts with the background
© Project SOUND
Background darker, cooler colored (blue-green)
Mid-ground – lighter, warmer colored
Characteristics of good mid-ground plantsfor a small garden
Plant palette often limited to a few species in small gardens
Overall impression – waves of foliage color for much of the year
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/Vitexlucens/new-zealand-native-garden-designs/
https://www.pinterest.com/garteneule/garden-seaside-feeling-coastal/
Southern CA is blessed with an abundance of native mid-ground plants, from grasses to shrubs
© Project SOUND
Repetition: the rule of thumb in mid-ground
© Project SOUND
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukgardenphotos/12347798964/in/photostream/
Swathes of color
Because we’re interested in habitat value, we’ll focus on ‘good habitat’ groups
© Project SOUND
Sunflower family
The native buckwheats –Eriogonum species
The native Sages –Salvia species
Ericamerias – smaller shrubs for fall gold
Shorter and more shrub-like than Goldenbushes; evergreen
Like occasional summer water Glorious color – fantastic habitat
© Project SOUND
Ericameria linearifolia
Ericameria ericoides
Ericameria nauseosa
California (Coastal) Sagebrush –Artemisia californica
© Project SOUND
http://caornamentalnativeplants.org/artemesia.jpg
Coastal valleys of southern San Diego and NW Baja California
Shrubby bluffs & canyons below 1500 ft. in coastal sage scrub, riparian communities.
Rare in wilds due to development of small natural range. CNPS Rarity: 4.2
AKA: San Diego sagewort; Palmer sagewort
Named for Edward Palmer (1829-1911). Self-taught botanist, collector Collected throughout Southwestern U.S. &
Mexico Botanical collection said to number over
100,00 specimens. ~200 species named in his honor
© Project SOUND
*San Diego sagebrush – Artemisia palmeri
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=1228
https://www.sanelijo.org/plant-guide/palmers-sagewort
© Project SOUND
San Diego sagebrush: feathery foliage
Size: 2-5 ft tall 3-6 ft wide
Growth form: Irregular to mounded sub-shrub Stiff to wand-like branches Drought-deciduous or green with
summer water
Foliage: Leaves medium to silvery green Finely dissected – looks like
cross between A. californica and A. dracunculus
Aromatic – use as cooking herb, potpourri
© Project SOUND
Flowers like CA sagebrush
Blooms: in the warm season –usually July to Sept.
Flowers: Flowers small, green-gold –
not very showy Like little bells hanging down
from branches Insect pollinators (esp. bees)
love flowers Note: pollen can cause hay
fever in susceptible persons
Seeds: birds love the many small seeds; plants re-seed
© Project SOUND
Artemisias are undemanding plants
Soils: Texture: any pH: any local
Light: full sun only along coast; afternoon shade in most gardens.
Water: Winter: adequate – supplement
in dry years Summer: best with monthly
water, but can tolerate more. Likes to have leaves hosed off (fog belt plant)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: yearly pruning will make a fuller plant, but not required
© Project SOUND
San Diego sagebrush - informal
Good choice for mid-ground; interesting foliage, habit
Good for areas that get a little more water; quick-growing filler
Herb or habitat gardens
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/119446163
© Project SOUND
Felt-leaf Yerba Santa – Eriodictyon crassifolium
Lovely mid-ground for a much larger garden
The back- to mid-ground Salvias
Larger size Darker foliage; smaller leaves Key role: provide contrasting
background for foreground plants
© Project SOUND
Brandegee’s sage – S. brandegeeiBlack sage – Salvia mellifera
The “medium” mid-ground Sages: medium size, medium green
© Project SOUND
Munz’ sage – Salvia munzii
Cleveland sage – Salvia clevelandii
Using the mid-ground sages (including cultivars) in small gardens
Pay attention to final size; if your garden is small, opt for some of the smaller cultivars
Limit the number of species, or choose a species and several cultivars of it – ‘repetition’ rather than ‘collection’ for mid-ground
Place darker, cooler colored plants to back; overlap with lighter- and warmer-colored species (to front)
© Project SOUND
http://www.santaclaritagardens.com/eplant.php?plantnum=2582&return=l7
https://camissonia.blogspot.com/
White sage ‘advances’ due to its light colored
foliage
© Project SOUND
http://floradebajacalifornia.blogspot.com/p/galeria.html
The mid- to foreground sages
© Project SOUND
Purple sage – Salvia leucophylla
White sage – Salvia apiana Desert sage – Salvia dorii
© Project SOUND
*Baja sage – Salvia chionopeplica
http://s800.photobucket.com/user/sagemtnmn/Salvia%20chionopeplica/story
Western slopes of San Pedro Martir, San Telmo, San Fernando Mountains, Baja CA
Chaparral/desert transition zone –home to many isolatated endemics
© Project SOUND
*Baja sage – Salvia chionopeplica
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_de_San_Pedro_M%C3%A1rtir_National_Park
Closely related to our local Purple sage
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/EarthAndOak/southern-california-garden-have/
http://wildfire.geog.csulb.edu/resac/project/veg/images/salvia/sage2.jpg
http://www.smmflowers.org/mobile/species/Salvia_leucophylla.htm
Purple sage Salvia leucophylla
Baja sageSalvia chionopeplica
© Project SOUND
Baja sage: mid-size; light foliage
Size: 2-3 ft tall 3-5 ft wide
Growth form: Mounded sub-shrub Densely branched Stems may have red-purple tint
Foliage: Foliage color: gray-green Leaves slightly shorter than Purple
sage; appear more broad Very attractive foliage – nice
alternative to Purple sage
©2013 Ron Clark
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottzona/8557755982
© Project SOUND
Blue flowers
Blooms: later spring – often Apr-June in western L.A. Co.
Flowers: Salvias are large, showy mints Typical beautiful salvia
flowers in ball-like clusters Blue-lavender (rather than
rose-lavender of Salvia leucophylla); bright yellow pollen
Really good hummingbird and butterfly plant
Seeds: small – like all sages
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottzona/8557755904
© Project SOUND
Baja sage: tough Baja climate
Soils: Texture: needs well-drained soils;
berm if needed pH: any local
Light: Full sun – hot exposures are just
fine (often has west-facing exposure in the wild)
Water: Winter: adequate (supplement in
dry winters) Summer: drought tolerant, but
best w/ water several times a summer (expects summer monsoon)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: no heavy mulch
http://wwx.inhs.illinois.edu/research/therevid/activities/expedition/baja/pictures/
Prune in summer or fall – like any of the local Salvias
© Project SOUND
Good accent plant Silvery foliage, small size make this
a standout for mid- or fore-ground
Perfect for pollinator, white or scented gardens; leaves dried for seasoning herb, potpourri
Fine on hot, dry slopeshttp://s800.photobucket.com/user/sagemtnmn/Salvia%20chionopeplica/story
http://www.robinssalvias.com/htms/chionopeplica.htm
http://prairiebreak.blogspot.com/2016/10/magic-of-botanic-garden-at-tilden-park.html
Print resources on Salvias for California gardeners
“In The New Book of Salvias: Sages for Every Garden, Betsy Clebshhighlights 150 beautiful, gardenworthyspecies and significant hybrids. She documents them alphabetically and includes botanical descriptions, information on habit, blooming cycle, recommended companion plants, and delightful historical tidbits of discovery and usage.”
© Project SOUND
https://books.google.com/books?id=L5KcnAEACAAJ&source=gbs_book_other_versions
© Project SOUND
*Cedros Island sage – Salvia cedrosensis
http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Salvia_cedrosensis.htm
Native to Cedros Island off the coast of Baja California and the adjacent mainland at Vizcaino Peninsula
Grows along dry riverbeds, canyons in rocky soil.
Coastal sage scrub/chaparral community
© Project SOUND
*Cedros Island sage – Salvia cedrosensis
https://bajadock.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/simon-cedros-island-flood/
Mail order salvias: native and not
Annie’s Annuals & Perennials – good selection from around world
Digging Dog Nursery – good selection – mostly SW, Mexican and cultivars
Flowers by the Sea – specializes in Salvias
Seed Hunt – seeds of CA natives
© Project SOUND
Salvia greggii 'Royal Bumble'https://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=4019
Cabrillo College – Aptos (near Monterey Bay)
http://www.cabrillo.edu/academics/horticulture/index.html
One of the largest Salvia collections in the world as well as collections of California natives
Can visit Botanic Gardens Mon-Sat during daylight hours
Cabrillo College 39th Annual Spring Plant Sale - May 12,13, and 14, 2017
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
Cedros Island sage: definitely foreground
Size: 1-2 ft tall 3-4 ft wide
Growth form: Mounded to spreading sub-shrub Many slender, pale-colored stems Can be quite dense – good
contrast with other foreground
Foliage: Leaves smaller, rounded Short, felt-like hairs give plants a
pale green to white color Mild pineapple scent
http://www.fbts.com/salvia-cedrosensis.html
© Project SOUND
Violet-colored flowers
Blooms: off and on throughout year; peak is late summer/early fall.
Flowers: Flower shape typical for the Salvias Color: bright lavender with white –
very lovely Beautiful contrast w/ foliage Look more like the showier Mexican
and Southwestern/TX species Excellent pollinator habitat plant
Seeds: small (tiny) dark seeds – like finely ground pepper
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_cedrosensis
http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Salvia_cedrosensis.htm
© Project SOUND
Channel Island native Soils:
Texture: well-drained best; clays are possible (berm & limit summer water)
pH: any local
Light: full sun to light shade; tolerates heat well
Water: Winter: adequate Summer: Water regularly to
establish (first year), then occasional summer water (once a month or less).
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; ½ strength dose in early spring for container-grown
Other: thin organic or inorganic mulchhttp://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/salcedbb.htm
© Project SOUND
Cedros Island sage Belongs with other ‘diva Salvias’ in the
foreground Fine on hot, dry slopes Good for edging paths, walkways Makes an attractive pot plant; one of few
Salvia species that does well in containers
http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/salvia-cedrosensis-baja-blanca-images/
http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/salcedbb.htm
Salvia cedrosensis ‘Baja Blanca’ Natural cultivar from Baja. 3' H x 3' W Full sun; drought-tolerant to occasional Pleasing shape, copious flowers, and a long
blooming season, especially in when grown as a container specimen.
Excellent sage for hot dry area. Recommended for containers. Needs good
drainage
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/142356038191489384/
http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/salvia-cedrosensis-baja-blanca-images-large-103419/
Mid-ground plants: more than just boring old shrubs
They connect the background to the foreground
Mid-ground plants & hardscape are extremely important for creating the illusion of depth – perhaps more so than back- & foreground in Mediterranean gardens
Choice and placement of mid-ground plants is critical to an attractive garden
Mid-ground plants provide continuity to a garden – live at least a decade
© Project SOUNDhttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/365073113524893117/
Mid-ground plants: depth in small gardens
Mid-ground plants should provide a smooth transition between background and foreground
Mid-ground often includes plants of various sizes – as tall as 4+ ft to as short as 2 ft
Larger mid-ground plants must be planted behind shorter mid-ground plants to give the illusion of depth
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/garteneule/garden-seaside-feeling-coastal/
Color & texture in mid-ground
Warmer-colored foliage front; cooler colored foliage back
Brighter colored foliage front
Green foliage forward; gray-green foliage back
Coarser foliage (larger leaves) forward; finer foliage back
Shiny leaves forward; matt leaves back
© Project SOUND
https://www.gardenia.net/guide/tips-to-create-a-provence-garden
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238127899027642842/
Seating: should it be mid- or foreground?
© Project SOUND
Shady seating
Dining
https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/backyard-landscape-design/
And now we come to the fun part…
© Project SOUND
http://www.torontogardens.com/2016/10/designing-with-see-through-plants.html/
© Project SOUND
Foreground plants are the garden divas – showy and meant to be noticed
Are accent plants due to unique characteristics
Bright, or light-colored showy flowers
Unusual shape or foliage Scent Attract favorite
pollinators
Smaller size – placed in front of the mid-ground
May be planted in ground or in containers
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukgardenphotos/12347798964/in/photostream/
The foreground is where you get to indulge
© Project SOUND
Lighter Brighter Bigger flowers Showier leaves Expensive containers Unique accents of all
sorts
Shady seating
Dining
http://www.torontogardens.com/2016/10/designing-with-see-through-plants.html/
Low/small sunflowers: good habitat in a showy package
© Project SOUND
Annuals like Layiaand Lastheniaspecies
Perennials like Guttierezia species
© Project SOUND
*Angelita daisy – Tetraneuris acaulis
Al Schneider, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
*Angelita daisy – Tetraneuris acaulis
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=8496
©2015 Richard Spellenberghttp://www.pryormountains.org/natural-history/wildflowers/
Western U.S. from ID and ND to TX
In CA, var. arizonica - in S. CA, desert foothills, San Bernardino Co.
Tetraneuris acaulis (Pursh) Greene, Pittonia. 3: 265. 1898.
AKA Hymenoxys acaulis
© Project SOUND
Size: 1-2 ft tall 2-5 ft wide, slowly spreading
Growth form: Evergreen herbacious
perennial; dies back in winter in cold climates
Leaves in tuft-like basal rosette
Foliage: Leaves medium to dark green Long and narrow
Roots: taproot; very drought tolerant
Al Schneider, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Cute and bright little perennial daisy
http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=2077
© Project SOUND
Brilliant flowers
Blooms: Off and on, with rain/irrigation Warm season is main bloom
season – June-Sept
Flowers: Daisy-type flower heads on
leafless stems Both ray & disk flowers yellow –
brilliantly so; fragrant Attract tons of pollinators – and
birds eat the seeds
Seeds: small, flat sunflower type
Vegetative reproduction: patch increases in size
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: most; best in well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to light shade Takes heat well
Water: Winter: adequate Summer: low to moderate –
Water Zone 2 (dry out between waterings)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: Deadhead monthly or so, as
needed; will re-seed No or inorganic mulch best
©2004 James M. Andre
© Project SOUND
Angelita = foreground As an attractive pot plant; long bloom
season makes it a favorite Dense form makes it perfect for
massing Groundcover – even in hot areas along
sidewalks, etc. In rock gardens, desert or habitat
gardenshttps://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/57900
https://www.snwa.com/apps/plant/detail.cfml?id=15070
https://www.snwa.com/apps/landscape_galleries/gallery_color_explosion.cfml?gallery=2
Match bulbs to container
Your neighbor is down-sizing, and gifts you a charming little bulb pot. It’s an accent in itself – but you want to fill it
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/carolinecooperk/bulbs-in-pots/
© Project SOUND
Dwarf goldenstars – short-stemmed flowers
Size: < 1 ft tall (6 inches common) 1 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from a
corm
Foliage: Medium green grass-like
leaves Often die back before
flowering
©2006 Dave Hacker
© Project SOUND
Yellow flowers –perfect foreground
Blooms: Late spring - usually Apr-May in western LA Co.
Flowers: Golden yellow Trumpet-shaped Six brown-stippled yellow
tepals In loose umbel, at most 6-8
inches tall
Seeds: small dark seeds; re-seeds nicely
Vegetative reproduction: corms produce offshoots
©2011 Aaron E. Sims
© Project SOUND
Spot of gold in the garden
As an accent plant in a pretty pot In native grassland/prairie
plantings In rock gardens At front of dry beds, planters
©2012 Chris Winchell
©2011 Aaron E. Sims J.S. Peterson, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Of course, your color bowl will accent different divas throughout the seasons
© Project SOUNDhttps://www.pinterest.com/carolinecooperk/bulbs-in-pots/
Desert mountains of Central/S. CA incl., San Gabriels On rocky, gravelly slopes; 5000'-7500‘ in Yellow Pine
Forest, Alpine Fell-fields, Sagebrush Scrub, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
Named for William Ledlie Kennedy (c. 1827-?), who collected specimens in Kern Co., Mt. Pinos, Tehachipis
© Project SOUND
Cushion Buckwheat – Eriogonum kennedyi
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/Rare_Plants/profiles/TEP/eriogonum_kennedyi_austromontanum/index.shtml
http://socalbutterflies.com/plants_html/E_kennedyi.htm
© Project SOUND
Cushion buckwheat is a miniature plant
Size: 6 inches tall 1-3 ft. wide, slowly spreading
Growth form: Mat-like; very low and dense All aspects are miniature Becomes very dry in fall
Foliage: Tiny leaves; all basal Leaves hairy, giving a pale,
silvery appearance
© Project SOUND
Buckwheat flowers on tiny stems
Blooms: late spring – often Apr-Jun in lowlands, later at higher elevations.
Flowers: Tiny buckwheat flowers in
dense, ball-like clusters on naked stems
Pink – great contrast w/ foliage
Excellent pollinator habitat plant
Seeds: red-brown seed heads in fall; birds love seeds
Vegetative reproduction: slowly spreads
© Project SOUND
Desert mountain species Soils:
Texture: rocky/gravely – mix own mixture for containers
pH: any local Needs good drainage: plant on
slope or near rocks in garden
Light: Full sun (perhaps light shade)
Water: Winter: normal Summer: best with occasional
‘summer monsoon’ water (Water Zone 1-2)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: gravel mulch or none
© Project SOUND
Cushion buckwheat
Attractive and unusual accent pot plant – everyone is curious!
In rock garden, desert garden Foreground of dry, sunny beds Pollinator gardens Buckwheat gardens
http://www.laporteavenuenursery.com/html/eriogonum_kennedyi.html
http://www.bbldwp.com/PhotoGallery/Album/10http://clminternship.org/blog/?author=7236
How does Cushion buckwheat rate (as a foreground plant) ?
© Project SOUND
Small size – miniatures are always fascinating
Unusual, pale-colored foliage –appears to come forward
Pale flowers – also appear to be close by
Can be grown in a container –a great way to showcase a foreground accent plant
We’ve come a long way today
© Project SOUND
Analyzed our views: public private
Discovered the challenges (and assets) of our site
Determines the ‘best’ natural views
Learned some tricks to making our private garden look larger than it is: Unifying by repetition in
hardscape Dividing garden into rooms Using principles of
perspective
Shady seating
Dining
We’ve learned to envision potential views as consisting of several planes
Background plane ‘borrowed background’ Garden backgrounds of plants and/or
hardscape Purposes:
To integrate distant vistas with garden To serve as backdrop for the
plants/hardscape in front of it Attributes:
Larger, darker, finer-textured and less distinct than mid-ground plants/ hardscape
If you want to make garden seem larger, background should recede/disappear
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/365073113524893117/
The mid-ground plane: ties garden together
Purposes Tie the back- and foreground
together in coherent design Give the illusion of depth through
size, color, texture and other attributes
Attributes Chosen primarily for foliage Size: ranging from slightly smaller
than background to larger than foreground
Color: brighter, lighter and less grayed than background
Medium texture (often) Swaths of color; repetition
© Project SOUND
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/365073113524893117/
© Project SOUND
Foreground plants are the garden divas – showy and meant to be noticed
Are accent plants due to unique characteristics
Bright, or light-colored showy flowers
Unusual shape or foliage Scent Attract favorite
pollinators
Smaller size – placed in front of the mid-ground
May be planted in ground or in containers
Whew! We covered a lot of ground today!
© Project SOUND
Don’t worry – we’ll come back to these topics a few more times this year
Shady seating
Dining
Next class: Espalier (in the context of small habitat gardens like our design challenge)
© Project SOUND
top related