Sandlot but wanting Camelot!
by
Chp382919
+1
I have a horrid back yard. I bought my home last September and between being the only one living here and long work hours, I've not been able to do much with my yard. My though is to have everything eatable but need to keep watering minimal. I live in So California desert and it's hot! VERY HOT, & water doesn't come cheap. I'd like to do a wicking garden and actually have attained the pallets now I need to design & implement something that's easy maintenance and practical for my area. PLEASE, any ideas on what I can do to create my sandlot into Camelot?
As you can see it's not much more than sand. I've planted three fruit trees and have put in an irrigation line.
The yard is only 18' wide and apx 60' long, so planning is hard, at least for me. HELP!
4 answers
-
You do not have a horrid backyard, you have a backyard with as yet unrealized potential. When faced with a blank slate of a garden, it is always best to step back and think about what you want from the space. You say you already have three citrus trees so they are going to take up a good amount of the space you have. Try to make a rough sketch of where things would go, keeping in mind that curving lines are generally more interesting, and forgiving, than straight ones. I highly recommend that you check out this brochure from the Mojave Water Agency. It's a very complete guide to California desert landscaping, and includes everything from developing a three-year landscaping plan, so you know what to take on first, to the plant recommendations. Good luck, and have fun! http://www.mojavewater.org/files/a_guide_to_high_desert_landscaping.pdf
Douglas Hunt
on Jul 28, 2014
-
Small can be gorgeous! Have you thought about putting the patio all the way to the fence, thus making it more square than long, and using the rest for gardening? If you use container gardening, you will need less water too. You can bring in color with your furniture rather than flowers. My front porch faces the west and the hot afternoon sun just boils the flowers so my color comes mostly from the furniture!
Jeanette S
on Jul 29, 2014
-
I agree with Jeanette S. take your patio all the way to the fence using pavers. If you decide to plant in a specific spot it's easy to pick one up and plant in the hole. Having lived in the desert, I know you will get the best results by using pots. Your space is not so big as to over whelm you and will make a nice place to relax.
Jane Seaver
on Jul 29, 2014
-
Douglas is quickly becoming my gardening guru (even though he doesn't know it)! I think the idea of curves is great because it relaxes the eye and creates little zones you can tuck some surprises into. Pots around the patio would be nice, too. Just be sure you get ones that don't leach the water from the soil. Please keep us updated on your progress.
Katie
on Jul 29, 2014
Sign Up to Answer
