What kind of plants to landscape with?
I live in Los Angeles and the DWP will soon implement fines and restrictions on water usage due to the drought situation. We've recently purchased a house that has no real landscaping -- just a grassy front and back yard. So what kinds of beautiful plants / shrubbery / flowers should we put in that do not require heavy water usage? My husband and I really like the look of "modern-style" landscaping with things such as horsetail or bamboo, but as far as I know they require a lot of water. Any suggestions would be great...thank you.
How do I found out what zone i am in?
I love modern gardens for the texture layering and geometric elegance. Stones and statuary are wonderful waterless garden features used to accentuate this style.
Ornamental grasses such as Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissim), blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens), and purple fountain grass (Pennisetum rubrum) offer graceful motion and fantastic color without the need of constant hydration.
Hostas are an efficient option as well, many varieties offering sweetly scented blooms in addition to the range of leaf markings and colors.
Native flowers have already found harmony in the environment and can offer multiple benefits; the lovely Wild Aster (Aster chilensis) provides long lasting blooms and attracts beautiful butterflies, Sage (Salvia spp.) flowers in blues, whites, and violets, in addition to a myriad of culinary, cosmetic and craft uses.
P.S. The last two links of my sources can help you determine your exact zone.
Selection and Installation of Landscape Plants
