beautiful bowls 2017f

© 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

Beautiful Bowls: containers for color through

the year

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH (emeritus) & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh PreserveJanuary 7 & 12, 2017

2017 Season – Small is Beautiful: Native Habitats in Smaller Gardens

© Project SOUND

Designing an attractive small garden requires more discipline…

© Project SOUND

http://mgc-old.zurka.com/blog/topics/container-gardening

Because space is limited, plants must be chosen both for their attractiveness and their

other useful attributes

© Project SOUND

California huckleberry – Vaccinia ovata

Artemisia species – for cooking or potpourri

But your small container garden should please the eye & other senses

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.singinggardens.com/container-garden-design/

And that means you need to think and plan – perhaps even more than if you had

lots of space to work with

© Project SOUND

Let’s take an example: 8’ by 15’ patio

© Project SOUND

Sliding door

Part sun

Pretty shadywindow

Available space for planting: 8’ x 15’ patio

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

Part sun

Pretty shady

Here is a possible layout: 8’ by 15’ patio

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

Summary: plant/pot diameters

Part-shade Area

Grouping 1 – N=5 1 large plant (3 ft) 2 medium plants (1 ½ - 2 ft) 2 smaller pots (1 ft or less)

Grouping 2 – N=3 1 large plant (3 ft) 2 smaller plants (1 ft or less)

Quite Shady Area

Grouping – N=3

1 large plant (3 ft) 2 medium plants (1 ½ - 2 ft)

Single plant – N=1 1 medium plants (1 ½ - 2 ft)

© Project SOUND

Container garden design secrets

1. Group in odd (rather than even) number of pots

2. Choose a unifying theme, and stick to it

© Project SOUND

Since everything is visible from inside, we need an organized, coherent design…

© Project SOUND

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/111534528245313855/


…rather than a collection of pots and plants

https://www.pinterest.com/BucketGardeners/container-garden/

The trick is to pick a theme and stick to it

© Project SOUND

Choose a theme to unify your container garden

Most difficult options Range of flower/fruit color

unified by lots of green or white (either flowers or foliage)

Differences in foliage texture

© Project SOUND

http://www.ufseeds.com/Container-Gardening-Urban-Farmers-Guide.html

http://home4lifenow.com/garden/container-gardening-designs-ideas-we-can-choose-for-our-flower-trees/attachment/container-gardening-designs-pictures-2/

http://www.nyfilmfinance.net/4f6e0bac461a97de-container-flower-garden-ideas.html

Choosing a unifying theme: container gardens

Slightly easier options Choose a color scheme based on

the flower colors (color wheel) Choose evergreen plants with

contrasting foliage colors Use plants from a single genus

or family

© Project SOUND

http://www.hamptons.com/Lifestyle/Gardenscapes/17279/Parrish-Art-Museums-Landscape-Pleasures-Tour.html#.WG_GJGcU-Uk

http://www.gardenlandscapeideas.org/ideas/preview/5947/greatcontainerideas.html

Choosing a unifying theme: container gardens

Easiest options – choose: Variations on the same

container Containers with the same

color or shape Flowers with the same/

similar hue

© Project SOUND

http://www.container-gardening-for-you.com/flower-picture.html

http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/plan-a-container-garden/

http://www.gardenguides.com/container-gardening-tips/

Coordinated pots give plenty of options but still unify the design

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

http://stewart-garden.co.uk/products/dark-brown/40cm/varese-tall-planter/

Treat yourself to some nice, attractive containers

© Project SOUND

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/concrete-fluted-planters/?cm_src=AutoCSLPIP

http://blog.palmpons.com/2016/06/30/ideas-for-summerizing-your-deck-or-patio/

There are a wide range of options

Choose ones you like that look good with your architecture

We’ve chosen coordinating pots; now let’s focus on other aspects of design

© Project SOUND

Mother Nature often relies on darker evergreen plants to provide the backdrop

© Project SOUND

Inspiration for the shady area of our patio

© Project SOUND

https://gardeninacity.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/july-fruitnfoliage/

Note the important role of green foliage in this garden




3. Design your background(s) carefully, to provide contrast

4. Provide enough green foliage, year-round

© Project SOUND

Ferns are a great source of shady green foliage

© Project SOUND


http://www.baumschule-newgarden.de/product_info.php?info=p6315_Athyrium-filix-femina--Lady-in-Red----Rotstieliger-Frauenfarn.html

And there are more CA native ferns than you might think

In fact, you could limit your patio garden only to ferns

© Project SOUND

http://frustratedgardener.com/tag/foxgloves/

But we’re more interested in using them as evergreen background plants

© Project SOUNDhttp://gardeningandgardens.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html

© Project SOUND

* Western Sword Fern – Polystichum munitum

http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/pol_mun.html

Western N. America, primarily coastal states, from AK to Baja

In CA, almost always below 2500 ft.

Favored habitat: the understory of moist coniferous forests at low elevations –locally, San Gabriel mtns.

It grows best in a well-drained acidic soil of rich humus and small stones.

© Project SOUND

* Western Sword Fern – Polystichum munitum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_munitum

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200004619

http://www.backyardnature.net/n/x/sword-fn.htm

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Quinault_Small_Waterfall.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Quinault_Small_Waterfall.jpg

© Project SOUND

Western Sword Fern – corresponds to most people’s notion of a fern

Size: 3-6 ft tall spreading to 3-6 ft wide

Growth form: Upright growth habit Height depends on light – taller in

dense shade Evergreen leaves in clumps of 100

or so – moderate spread rate Long-lived

Foliage: Medium to dark green Single pinnate with alternating

pinna Fronds unroll, forming fiddleheads

© 2008 Matt Below

© Project SOUND

Coastal Wood Fern – Dryopteris arguta

J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Most commonly near coast & in coastal ravines from British Columbia to central CA – tho’ south to Baja, Sierra foothills

Locally on Catalina & San Clemente Isl, Santa Monica & San Gabriel Mtns.

N. slopes/shady creeks: oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub up to 5000’

© Project SOUND

Coastal Wood Fern – Dryopteris arguta

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/dryopteris-arguta


http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?19,27,28

http://www.perspective.com/nature/plantae/bryophytes.html#Hornworts

http://www.perspective.com/nature/plantae/bryophytes.html#Hornworts

© Project SOUND

Coastal Wood Fern: a medium-size fern Size:

2-3 ft tall (largest in rainforests) 2-3 ft wide

Growth form: Moderately spreading clump Fronds usually upright/fairly straight

Foliage: Medium to dark green; prom. scales 2 times pinnate - moderately complex

structure Foliage soft - not stiff Quite variable – some types appear

ruffled or lacy (leaflets turned at an angle

Drought-deciduous (S. CA Oak Woodlands)

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/dryopteris-arguta

http://hardyfernlibrary.com/ferns/listSpecies.cfm?Auto=3

http://plants.montara.com/ListPages/FamPages/Dryopterida.html

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Pellaea_andromedifolia_1.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Pellaea_andromedifolia_1.jpg

© Project SOUND

Sword Ferns: adaptable Soils:

Texture: most pH: slightly acidic (4.0-7.0) – under

evergreens/oaks would be fine

Light: Part-shade to full shade This is truly a forest under-story

fern; good even under dense trees

Water: Winter: like plenty Summer: quite adaptable

Zone 2-3 or 3 – will stay green Zone 1-2 or 2 – drought

deciduous

Fertilizer: ½ strength or none Other: likes a good leaf mulch layer

Mark W. Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

© Project SOUND

Wood Ferns Ferns always look nice in large

containers Great for shady slopes/banks –

even growing in retaining walls Young fronds can be cooked;

eaten – also anti-microbial

© 2003 Michael Charters

http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=88976

But wait – we’ve got even more great native ferns

In the Victorian age there was a veritable fad for fern gardens in England, & the Lady Fern was one of the most popular of all. It seems to have fallen below the top-ten favorite ferns nowadays, as many other species of ferns remain tidy longer. But it has never entirely lost favor, thanks to its extreme hardiness in cold & temperate zones. There are in fact a vast number of Lady Fern cultivars in the trade.

© Project SOUND

http://www.jparkers.co.uk/3-athyrium-filixfemina-lady-fern-1013434

So what is this ‘Lady Fern’ ?

© Project SOUND

Common (Western) ladyfern – Athyrium filix-femina

©2016 Zoya Akulova

Northwestern N. America from AK to S. CA

Locally: possibly San Gabriels

Moist woods, moist meadows, wetlands and along streams, from lowlands to mid-elevations

Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, wetland-riparian

Athyrium filix-femina var.cyclosorum - Western lady fern

© Project SOUND

California (Western) ladyfern – Athyrium filix-femina

Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=54990

© Project SOUND

Characteristics of Western ladyfern

Size: 2-3+ (even to 5) ft tall 2-3+ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen, perennial fern Many leaves (fronds) unroll from

the center

Foliage: Medium green, compound leaves This is an attractive, delicate

looking fern (think Victorian garden)

Roots: slowly increases in size via rhizomes

J.S. Peterson, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athyrium_filix-femina

© Project SOUND

Woodland understory Soils: Texture: not picky pH: any local or acidic

Light: Part- to full shade

Water: Winter: needs adequate Summer: moist soils (even

grow next to water); regular water

Fertilizer: forest-floor plant; best with organic mulch or added humus

Other: easy care; cut off dead fronds and divide when necessary

Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences

Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

Repotting ferns: very easy Remove from pot

Divide entire plant (roots and all) using a stout knife or pruning saw

Remove some of the old medium

Repot & enjoy

© Project SOUND

http://smallnotebook.org/2012/08/16/how-to-repot-ferns/

© Project SOUND

Into the fern grotto… Excellent choice for a large pot –

perfect size for shady patio In a woodland-themed garden Shady spots near a watered lawn Any other shady spot that can be

watered©2008 Matt Below

http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/ath_fil.html

Traditional uses for Lady fern

Edible fiddleheads were boiled, baked (eaten in moderation)

Medicinal Tea of boiled stems to ease labor pains, kill intestinal worms Dried powdered root has been applied externally to heal sores

Useful Leaves used for laying out or cover food, scouring pads, decoration

in baskets, and diaper linings© Project SOUND

©2015 Barry Breckling

Some thoughts on ferns in shady containers

Many do well in containers

They are pretty and relaxing – like being out in a shady forest

Some are evergreen – a source of green and design continuity through the year

Ready available (native or not)

Easy to grow

Even if you water them regularly, you’re not really using that much water – a ‘prudent’ indulgence

© Project SOUND

Look good in contemporary and vintage gardens






5. Repeat the same or similar foliage plants in several places to tie design together

© Project SOUND

Ferns can anchor the design of our patio: we can mix & match because they look similar

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

© Project SOUND

Great polemonium – Polemonium carneum

©2000 Dianne Fristrom

N. Coast, Klamath Ranges, North Coast Ranges, Central Coast, SF Bay to OR, WA

Northern Coastal Scrub, Coastal Prairie, Yellow Pine Forest

Forest floor (understory) plant in the Phlox family

© Project SOUND

Great polemonium – Polemonium carneum

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?POCA4

CNPS Rarity: 2B.2 –threatened due to logging

© Project SOUND

Great polemonium: herbaceous perennial

Size: 1-2 ft tall 1-2 ft wide

Growth form: Upright to mounded form Herbaceous; winter dormant Looks like a woodland plant

Foliage: Compound leaves – rather like

a fancy fern Medium- to blue-green; nice

foliage most of the year. Delicate & ‘garden-like’

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=848

© Project SOUND

Glorious flowers

Blooms: off and on with water, April to fall.

Flowers: Shape typical for family: trumpet-

shaped with 5 partly-fused petals Flowers to 1 inch across Colors: usually pastel pinks, yellows,

oranges – sometimes darker lavender

Very pretty blooms – looks like a flower garden plant

Bees, other insects & hummingbirds

Seeds: many small seeds in dry capsule – may reseed but not aggressive or weedy

©2009 Vernon Smith

©2014 John Doyen

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: not picky pH: any local

Light: Part-shade to quite shady

Water: Winter: supplement if needed Summer: likes regular water –

Water Zone 2-3 or 3 (let soils only partially dry out)

Fertilizer: woodland plant so fine with yearly dose of ½ strength fertilizer (pot or ground)

Other: light organic mulch (leaf mulch best)

©2014 John Doyen

© Project SOUND

Flower garden delight

Nice addition to woodland garden Herbaeous groundcover under trees

or other moist, shady places Around ponds & pools; water swales Excellent choice for a container

garden – loves a shady porch

http://www.wnps.org/plants/polemonium_carneum.html

https://www.ballyrobertgardens.com/products/polemonium-carneum-apricot-delight

http://www.pbase.com/rodg/image/79853226

Polemonium carneum ‘Apricot Delight’

Mound of attractive green foliage

Clusters of pink-apricot flowers appearing on tall stems late spring through early summer.

Wonderful addition to the woodland garden but equally at home in containers, rock gardens

Easy to grow

Trim back lightly after blooming. Tends to self-seed.

© Project SOUND

http://www.perennials.com/plants/polemonium-carneum-apricot-delight.html

http://westerncascades.com/2014/06/01/searching-for-erythronium-at-hemlock-lake/

Ferns & sub-shrubs with fern-like foliage can provide a nice evergreen backbone for our garden

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

Alternatively, we can use small, evergreen, shrubs to provide contrasting foliage

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

Many good evergreen choices for a small, shady container garden

Small Berberis/Mahonia Frangula (Rhamnus) californica

(small cultivars) Holodiscus discolor Spiraea species Ribes viburnifolium Vaccineum californicum Non-native choices

Azalea Fuschia Blueberries Many others

© Project SOUND

Avoid: large, deep taproot or summer dry

Catalina snapdragon -Gambelia speciosa

Does fine in part-shade – even quite shady places

Be sure to prune (beginning young) to get a good shape

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/galvezia/interesting/

A good local native that is quite water-wise

Some plants have such nice foliage that we forgive them their (brief) dormancy

© Project SOUND

Scarlet monkeyflower Mimulus cardinalis

Shade-loving perennials are another good source of contrasting foliage

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

© Project SOUND

California sweet cicely – Osmorhiza brachypoda

C./S. Sierra Nevada Foothills, Tehachapi, San Francisco Bay, South Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges

Locally: Santa Monica, San Gabriel Mtns

Moist ravines, coniferous forests, woodlands

Leroy Abrams – Flora of Los Angeles and Vicinity: Washingtonia brachypoda

© Project SOUND

California sweet cicely – Osmorhiza brachypoda

©2014 Jean Pawek

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?OSBR

© Project SOUND

Sweet cicely: winter dormant, but pretty foliage much of the year


Growth form: Winter-dormant herbaceous perennial Mounded form; basal from thick

taproot

Foliage: Compound leaves have fern-like

appearance Licorice-aroma (foliage & roots)

Roots: taproot; choose deeper pot (20 inch) and don’t disturb roots

http://www.smmflowers.org/mobile/species/Osmorhiza_brachypoda.htm

Only known host plant for the California endemic Sierra moth Greya suffusca.

© Project SOUND

Flowers: trés petite

Blooms: mid-spring - usually Mar-Apr in S. CA lowlands

Flowers: Typical for Carrot family Small, green-yellow to white

flowers in open cluster (umbel) You may miss them, but the

pollinators won’t – wonderful for unusual smaller insects

Seeds: seeds/pods are interesting


©2014 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Cicely likes her shade Soils: Texture: any well-drained; can

be planted on slope pH: any local

Light: Part-shade to quite shady;

understory plant

Water: Winter: supplement if needed Summer: likes moist soil;

regular water (Water Zone 2-3 or 3) until fall – then taper off

Fertilizer: fine with low dose – of use leaf mulch

Other: organic mulch fine – but not too thick (will rot)

©2016 John Doyen

© Project SOUND

Great plant for woodland garden Perennial or seasonal groundcover under trees On shady slopes with strawberries, etc. In shady areas near the vegetable garden – or

under trees in orchard For herb or medicinal garden In a pot on a shady porch

©2011 Jean Pawek

https://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/sweet-cicely-myrrhis-odorata-osmorhiza/

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Apiaceae/Osmorhiza%20brachypoda.htm

Added value: this is a medicinal plant

Root decoction used for coughs, colds. Infusion of foliage used as a hair wash

to kill fleas Could probably use as a flavoring: dried

seeds or alcohol infusion for a kitchen extract

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

Common Lomatium – Lomatium utriculatum

http://www.swanlake.bc.ca/native-plant-gallery.php

Other choices with similar look/needs

© Project SOUND

Western columbine – Aquilegia formosa

Meadowrue – Thalictrum fendleri

Perennials: good for interest and color

Many (native and non-native) are happy growing in containers

They are a nice size for smaller gardens

Many have lovely/unusual foliage

Some have showy flowers

Many have other attributes: scent, habitat value, human uses

Many can be used in part-shade as well as shadier areas of the garden

© Project SOUND

Down side of many S. CA perennials –need to die back in late summer/fall

© Project SOUND

Strategies for dealing with container plants that die back

1. Move them around (so they aren’t so obvious)

2. Swap them out (with something that is green and/or blooming)

3. Enjoy the natural seasons; look forward to both the fall & spring (even in a small garden)

4. Use a decorative mulch that’s attractive even in the ‘off season’

© Project SOUND

See our November 2015 talk for more ideas



2. Choose a unifying theme, and sticky to it



5. Repeat the same or similar foliage plants in several places to tie design together

6. Choose perennials both for foliage and as colorful seasonal accents

© Project SOUND

Perennials that provide both interesting foliage and flowers provide important accents

© Project SOUND

Mint Family

Heucheras in containers

No special potting soil except for those that need extra gravel

Shallow roots – don’t need a deep container (except H. maxima)

Elegant alone – or in mixed containers

© Project SOUND

http://awaytogarden.com/the-best-heuchera-and-how-to-grow-them/

Heucheras and moisture-loving native ferns make a fetching combination

https://www.hostasdirect.com/blog/useful-advice-for-planting-heucheras-in-containers/

See our December 2015 talk for more on Heucheras

Perennial Monkeyflowers: foliage and flower characteristics make good use of

space

© Project SOUND

A few others we’ve talked about

© Project SOUND

Yerba santa – Anemospis californica

http://www.glplants.com/plants/2893-Achillea-millefolium-Pink-Grapefruit

Strawberries – Fragaria speiciesYarrow – Achillea millefolia

Shade-loving perennials are another good source of contrasting foliage & flowers

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

Now we need some showy, seasonal accents

© Project SOUND

Sliding door window

Smaller seasonal accents for shady and part-shady pots

Some Native herbaceous perennials

Native perennials from bulbs

Some annual wildflowers

Some vegetables (annuals)

Non-native shade-loving plants

Begonia Brunfelsia Clivia Coleus

© Project SOUND

Seasonal color pot using double-potted native plants

Advantages Allows you to use attractive pots

that might not be other-wise suitable (metal)

Can feature plants at their most attractive season

Can be easy to switch plants; don’t have to move heavy pots around

Can grow seasonal accents even on patios, decks, porches

Can use plants with different requirements

Disadvantages Take more time, planning Need place to store inner pots in

the off season© Project SOUND

http://coolshire.com/using-planters-for-container-gardening-and-urban-gardening/

Double potting also helps keep plant roots cooler

The ‘Cache pot’ solution (double potting)

© Project SOUND

http://www.fabdwell.com/home/mid-century-modern-planters-addressing-beauty-function/

http://www.calendariodojardim.com.br/anteriores/Dica0412.html

http://www.canberraorchids.org/tips.html

Pot stand made from a cheap plastic pot

Allows you to switch out plants for seasonal color

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/bronze-26.5-tall-tapered-planter/s595512?si=2205077&aff=cj

8” wide/11” deep insert

A few native wildflowers really prefer a shadier location

© Project SOUND

Baby blue-eyes – Nemophila menziesiiChinese houses – Collinsia heterophylla

Fortunately, many CA native accents do just fine in either sun or part-shade

© Project SOUND

Family Polemoniaceae - The Phlox family

Aliciella Allophyllum Collomia Eriastrum Gilia Ipomopsis Leptosiphon Linanthus Navarretia Phlox Polemonium Saltugilia

© Project SOUNDhttp://www.meemelink.com/prints_pages/13593.Gilia.htm

Bird’s Eye Gilia - Gilia tricolor

© Project SOUND

Nevin’s Gilia – Gilia nevinii

© Project SOUND

Gilias are all easy-to-grow annual wildflowers

Soils: Texture: any pH: any local

Light: Sun; perfectly fine with ½

day of sun

Water: Winter: needs good

winter/spring water –delicate when young

Summer: none after flowering ceases

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

© Project SOUND

Globe Gilia – Gilia capitata ssp. abrotanifolia

http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/giliag4.htm

Blooms later – and can even be serial sown

© Project SOUND

* Large-flower Linanthus – Leptosiphon (Linanthus) grandiflorus

Blooms in late spring

Linanthus 'Stardust‘, ‘Confetti’,‘French Hybrids’ Annual; available from Seedhunt,

Annies Annuals and other on-line sources

Full sun to part-shade

Cultivar - probably from a CA native

Short (less than 1 ft.) filler plant

Very pretty – array of pastel colors with long bloom season

Good choice for pots or foreground plant

© Project SOUND

http://www.nadjadiedrich.com/newplantside/annuals/stardust.html

Family Polemoniaceae - The Phlox family

Originally organized in 1959, based on the best available information at that time, which included morphological characteristics, habitat, range and early genetic information (Grant 1998).

As more is learned, reorganization in the family is ongoing.

The Gilia and Saltugilia genera (members of the Gilieae tribe) share in common morphological and chromosomal characteristics, and have a native range in arid or semi-arid North America

© Project SOUND

© Project SOUND

*Splendid gilia – Saltugilia (Gilia) splendens

©2008 Thomas Stoughton

Monterrey Co. to S. CA n. of San Diego Co.

California’s South Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges (Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mtns) and the San Jacinto Mountains.

Openings in brush or woods, chaparral, foothill woodland, yellow pine forest

Has also been called Gilia splendens and Saltugilia grinnellii (Grand) L.A. Johnson.

© Project SOUND

*Splendid gilia – Saltugilia (Gilia) splendens

© Project SOUND

Splendid gilia: a splendid annual wildflower


Growth form: Annual wildflower Erect and much-branched;

slender, irregular appearance

Foliage: Leaves medium to pale blue-

green Compound leaves – fern-like, in

basal rosette Foliage may be hairy, glandular

http://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/saltugilia-splendens.html

© Project SOUND

Splendid gilia: a splendid annual wildflower

http://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/saltugilia-splendens.htmlhttp://www.smmflowers.org/mobile/species/Saltugilia_splendens_splendens.htm

© Project SOUND

Flowers: dainty delights

Blooms: usually late spring –April to June or July in S. CA

Flowers: Inflorescence open; slender

stalk well above foliage Flowers typical trumpet shape

of the Family Colors: usually medium to pale

pink/lavender with yellow and white on throat.

Anthers blue Attract many pollinators

Seeds: many small seed in dry capsule. Mary re-seed.

http://www.seedhunt.com/DtoK.htm

http://claritaplants.blogspot.com/2015/06/171-splendid-gilia-saltugilia-splendens.html#!/

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any pH: any local

Light: Adaptable: full sun the part-

shade

Water: Winter: adequate

winter/spring moisture until flowering ceases

Summer: with hold water to insure good seed production

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: no mulch or thin inorganic mulch

http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/80181-Saltugilia-splendens-splendens

© Project SOUND

Clouds of pink Great as filler in native woodland or

chaparral garden. Lovely massed for late spring color Nice container choice: sun or part-

shade, porches, patios

https://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=4303

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/GiliaSplendens/GiliaSplendensPage.htm

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/3588860394

© Project SOUND

* Coastal Onion – Allium dichlamydeum

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Allium+dichlamydeum

Endemic to CA north and central coast

On or near sea cliffs above the coast to about 300 ft. elevation.

Seasonally dry clay soil; N. coastal prairie or cliff communities

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/MendocinoSonomaCoastTwo


© Project SOUND

Another spring-appearing native bulb

Size: to 1 ft tall to 1 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from true

bulb

Foliage: 3-6 narrow strap-like leaves

radiate from bulb Leaves somewhat fleshy, green

to blue-green; sometimes tinged with purple or red.

Onion-scented – but not edible

http://bodegahead.blogspot.com/2012/07/coast-onion.html

© Project SOUND

Bright pink flowers

Blooms: mid- to late spring - usually between Apr. and June in S. CA

Flowers: Bell-shaped flowers with 6 petals In rounded, open umbel on stout

stalk Color medium pink to magenta Attract pollinators flies and

others

Seeds: hard, dark and wrinkled

Vegetative reproduction: offsets; Note: leaves & bulbs not edible

http://plants.montara.com/ListPages/FamPages/Lilia1.html

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/allium,geophytes/Interesting

Raising native onions from seed is often easy

Start in fall/winter in pots Sprinkle seed on moistened

potting soil (can add a little pumice for those from rocky places

Cover with thin layer of potting soil and ¼ inch layer of gravel.

Water in and keep soil moist; place pots in bright shady place

Taper off water in early summer (leaves will start browning)

Place pot in cool dry place ‘til fall Bulbs ready to plant out in garden

after 2-3 years

© Project SOUND

http://www.hazmac.biz/021118/AlliumPraecox.jpg

Managing your native onions

Plant bulbs at depth 3x their height

Let them multiply naturally – don’t need to do anything

Do best in an un-mulched area of the garden

Harvesting; dig up and replant in fall every 2-4 years


Succeeding with native onions - easy

Many do well in clay soils

Need water when actively growing (winter/spring)

Summer water:

Taper off water when leaves start to wither and flowering ceases

Many onions are fine with just a little summer water –monthly or less

Need no added nutrients

© Project SOUND

Pretty as a picture In natural prairie and rock

garden plantings Along walkways; lining dry

beds Massed for their color As an attractive pot plant

© 2009 Vernon Smith

http://picssr.com/tags/alliumdichlamydeumhttp://www.telosrarebulbs.com/Alliums.html

Other bulbs/corms for part-shade

Alliums

Many of the Brodiaeas

Bloomerias

Dichelostema

Douglas iris (Iris douglasii)

Sisyrichium Blue-eyed grass Yellow-eyed grass

Tritellia

© Project SOUND

Common Golden Stars – Bloomeria crocea var. crocea

Goldenstars in the garden

In cultivated beds

In dry gardens – very drought tolerant

In pots

Looks nice massed with other yellow and blue/purple flowers

In grasslands, grassy areas of garden – even in shade

On dry hillsides

In a rain garden/vernal swale

Southern British Columbia to northern two-thirds of California and east to northern NV and ID.

Closed-cone Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland, wetland-riparian; sea level to 7000 ft.

© Project SOUND

*White brodiaea – Tritelia hyacinthina


©2012 Jean Pawek


© 1992, Clayton J. Antieau

© Project SOUND

White brodiaea: typical native ‘bulb’

Size: 1-2 ft tall (may be shorter) 1-2 ft wide

Growth form: Perennial from an

underground corm Summer/fall dormant

Foliage: 2-3 narrow, strap-like leaves

from base Usually die back after

flowering (with water)

Roots: short roots from the corm – 12” pot depth is fine

©2008 Steve Matson © 2004, Ben Legler

© Project SOUND

Flowers are sweet (literally) Blooms: late spring; usually

May/June in S. CA, but may be earlier.

Flowers: Clusters of white, star-like

flowers with green veins Flowers are small, but color

and shape are attractive Very sweet scent – carries

well (makes a good cut flower)

Seeds: in dry capsule; easy to re-seed

Vegetative reproduction: offsets; increases yearly

Steve Hurst, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: not particular – sandy

to clay pH: any local

Light: full sun to part-shade; fine in bright shade under trees

Water: Winter: supplement if needed Summer: let dry out after

blooming; best with no summer water, but can take occasional

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; in containers, replenish some of the medium each year (or light fertilizer)

Other: light organic or inorganic mulch

© Project SOUND

Must-have bulb In the scented garden – wonderful!

In pollinator garden – for butterflies & small insect pollinators

Fantastic in containers or rock garden; alone or with annual wildflowers

White accent; lovely massed


Container garden design secrets1. Group in odd (rather than even)

number of pots2. Choose a unifying theme, and stick

to it3. Design your background(s)

carefully, to provide contrast4. Provide enough green foliage, year-

round5. Repeat the same or similar foliage

plants in several places to tie design together

6. Choose perennials both for foliage and as colorful seasonal accents

7. Use seasonal color plants to add interest and contrast

© Project SOUND

Evergreen (or nearly so) sub-shrubs/small shrubs for part-sun

Some of the ones we’ve already discussed

Currants and gooseberries (Ribes) Many native vines Some garden vegetables Some garden herbs Dwarf lemon trees Some you may not have considered

© Project SOUND

Avoid: large, deep taproot or summer dry

Ericamerias – smaller shrubs for fall gold

Shorter and more shrub-like than Goldenbushes

Like occasional summer water Glorious color – fantastic habitat

© Project SOUND

Ericameria linearifolia

Ericameria ericoides

Ericameria nauseosa

© Project SOUND

The Gutierrezias (Matchweeds) In a rock or desert-themed garden As a low-growing fall color plant As an attractive pot plant – even in

part-shade Important medicinal plants: respiratory

ailments, headacheshttp://www.naturesongs.com/vvplants/broomsnakeweed6.jpg

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photos/8gusa2.jpg

© Project SOUND

Prickly phlox – Linanthus californicus


http://claritaplants.blogspot.com/2015/02/february-in-review.html#!/2015/02/february-in-review.html

CA coast and Coast Ranges, Transverse Range and Peninsular Range from San Luis Obispo County to Orange and Riverside Counties.

Dry slopes and banks from sea level to 6,500 feet

Chaparral, coastal sage scrub and foothill woodland

http://www.laspilitas.com/images/grid24_24/6486/s/images/plants/383/Leptodactylon_californicum-3.jpg

© Project SOUND

Prickly sub-shrub


Growth form: Evergreen (with summer water) half-

woody sub-shrub Upright to irregularly mounded shape

Foliage: Bright to medium green, dense Needle-like leaves in bunches – sharp Looks somewhat like Mock Heather

Roots: taproot makes it water-wise; needs taller container if grow in pot

© Project SOUND

Glorious flowers

Blooms: over a long period –often Feb-June.

Flowers: Usually medium pink; may be

pale pink or more lavender Look superficially like Vinca;

actually have typical phlox shape Narrow, tubular calyx with

white throat; 5 rounded petals Flowers open in day; attract

insect pollinators Very pretty bloomer!

Seeds: lots of small seeds; may re-seed if happy

©2011 Chris Winchell

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements:Prickly phlox

Soils: Texture: well-drained, incl. sandy;

if not, plant on slope or berm pH: any local

Light: Full sun to part-shade Part-shade in hot gardens,

containers

Water: Winter: adequate Summer: looks best with water 1-

2 times a month (Water Zone 2)

Fertilizer: none in ground; likes poor soils. One dose/ ½ strength in pot

Other: thin organic mulch OK; inorganic or none

©2005 Steven Perkins

Note: this plant may need replacing every 3-5 years

© Project SOUND

Glorious bloomer In natural plantings, with other local

natives (away from foot traffic)

As a container plant; very dramatic – choose pot color to accent the flowers

©2011 Chris Winchell

https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linanthus_californicus

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Polemoniaceae/Linanthus%20californicus.htm

Summary: Container garden design secrets1. Group in odd (rather than even)

number of pots2. Choose a unifying theme; stick to it3. Design your background(s) carefully,

to provide contrast4. Provide enough green foliage, year-

round5. Repeat the same or similar foliage

plants to tie design together6. Choose perennials both for foliage

and as colorful seasonal accents7. Use seasonal color plants to add

interest and contrast8. Select plants with added value:

habitat, scent, useful© Project SOUND

Advantages of gardening in containers

Allow you to prudently indulge in some plants that need regular water

© Project SOUND

Allow you to grow in small spaces – even on concrete

Why grow in containers? Here are a just few reasons 1) I rent – I need portable plants

2) If a plant isn’t happy, I can move it easily to someplace where it can do better

3) I can customize the container and soil to the plant’s requirements

4) I like the look of plants in containers; they are decorative

5) I like the challenge of growing things in containers

6) I have limited space

7) I love this plant, but don’t want it to take over!

© Project SOUND

beautiful bowls 2017f

Education