Foreground/Mid-ground/Background - 2017

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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

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https://www.pinterest.com/ggmaas/exterior-home/

We’re going to be spending the next few months designing a small suburban ‘garden’

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The classic ranch house looks very much like many built from 1950-1970’s

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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?

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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

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Look critically at the views from your windows, doors, porches – do you like what you see?

If you have a two-story house, don’t

forget the view from upstairs

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A view for who(m)? : Public views

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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

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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/


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’?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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


Dining

Use the same/similar pathway materials to unify a garden and make it appear larger

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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

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http://www.turning-earth.co.uk/news/index.php/2013/

Dividing our backyard space also gives the two areas a little privacy

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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


Dining

Lay out the proposed areas: walk them, sit in them, live in them

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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

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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

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https://www.pinterest.com/amanthawalden/gardens/

Let’s consider possible views in the main garden area

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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…

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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

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We add several small seating areas based on our assessment of the views

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Dining

Distant views OK

Dis

tant

vie

ws

OK

Today we’re just going to focus on one area

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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


Dining

Distant views OK

Dis

tant

vie

ws

OK

© Project SOUND

Garden theme: Mediterranean style, water-wise garden

What style of water-wise Mediterranean garden?

© Project SOUNDhttp://gardengates.info/category/landscaping-and-landscapes/southern-california-landscaping-design/


We’ll feature S. CA native plants

How to design a life-friendly Mediterranean style garden…

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…that looks larger than really it is?

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contrast

In natural settings, distant mountains/hills and trees provide a backdrop

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)

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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

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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.

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Closer objects overlapobjects further away.

Objects/shapes become smaller the farther away they are; this is the principle of linear perspective.

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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/


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

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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.

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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


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/

© Project SOUND

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


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

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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


Dining

Distant views OK

Dis

tant

vie

ws

OK

Using ‘borrowed’ landscapes as background

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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

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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

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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

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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


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

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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

CA Coffeeberry – Frangula (Rhamnus) californica

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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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

Wolfberry – Lycium andersonii

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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

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Lycium_andersonii_1.jpg




© 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

Coyote Bush – Baccharis pilularis

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.

Coyote bush is a definite possibility

© Project SOUND

We could even prune it up into a small tree

© 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

Remember: background plants may take years to grow to mature size

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

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


Shady seating

Dining

© Project SOUND

What will we use for mid-ground plants?

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


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

Useful color, habit

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

*San Diego sagebrush – Artemisia palmeri

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


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)


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

Native Salvias are often used in mid-ground

© Project SOUND

Why plant the Sages (Salvia species)

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Purple sage as accent

Black sage as background

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


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)


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


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


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


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/

The foreground is where you get to indulge

© Project SOUND

© 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


©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)


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

Bulbs and other perennials are great foreground plants – in ground or containers

© Project SOUND

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/

© Project SOUND

Cushion Buckwheat – Eriogonum kennedyi

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)


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


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


© 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

We’ve got some fun workshops coming up

© Project SOUND

Education

Foreground/Mid-ground/Background - 2017