There is something awe-inspiring about driving by a house that is meticulously landscaped that causes you to rubberneck and create one more reason for distracted driving. Whether it’s flowers, shrubs or succulents, visually interesting plants with a plethora of shapes, textures or colors working in concert or contrast will create a provocative landscape garden.
Virtually all plants will pop in a properly attended garden when they have enough room to prosper and are placed in positions that draw the viewer’s attention.
Here are five easy to care for plants that will help make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.
Wait! If only it were that easy . . .
Before choosing one or any of the plants below for your garden, there are several factors involved in selecting the right plant for your location. These include, but are not limited to the amount of sun, the type of soil, and the daily attention you plan on giving your garden. If you’re new to gardening, treat it like exercise and don’t overreach. Find plants that will not be overwhelming and cause you to be discouraged.
Consulting a landscape/garden professional will supply answers to these questions (well, except for your time commitment) so your investment in time and money isn’t wasted. Of course, they will be happy to assist in the care for your garden too. Admiring a beautiful space where all the work is done while sipping your favorite beverage is not a bad way to go!
As I said – we have chosen five plants that will make your garden pop.
Agave Blue Glow
Agave Blue Glow provides an architectural element that will bring your eye to it especially if it is given some space.
This ornamental plant is perfect for a water-restricted area. On the smaller side, it grows between 1-2 feet high and several feet wide. With its red and yellow edges, the Agave Blue Glow has the versatility to work with different plants on the color palette. It prefers well-drained soil.
California Monkey flowers
Just saying the name of it brings a smile! The flower is so named because it appears as though it’s a monkey grinning on the petals. This shrub can grow up to four feet tall and can prosper in a variety of soils. It prefers partial shade and a bit more moisture than some plants. The flowers are friends to pollinators. Both bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the California Monkey flowers and provide just one more point of interest for your garden.
Delphinium Cardinale
A wildflower native to California, the Delphinium Cardinale or as it is more commonly knows as, the scarlet or cardinal larkspur, can grow up to six feet high! Between their height and the red flowers, these will surely be a standout in the garden. They will grow in either full or partial shade and prefer rocky or sandy soil. Delphinium Cardinale will add activity to your garden, since they attract hummingbirds.
Echeverias
Echeverias is a textural gem with its rosette design that draws the eye. With its fleshy blue-green flesh and edged in scarlet, Echeverias seem otherworldly and gives the garden a contrast between the textures of deciduous plants and succulents. Echeverias, like the Agave Blue Glow will work well with different colors in the garden. It can serve as a host plant for butterflies, can exist in a variety of different garden locals, and is low-maintenance.
Hoffman’s Nightshade
This perennial will not only catch your eye with clusters of purplish-blue flowers and hairy stems but your nose with its sweet fragrance. A plant native to the Central Coast, Hoffman’s Nightshade is extremely versatile since it can be grown in a variety of soils and can handle full or partial sunlight. One caveat, it can be poisonous to humans and some animals so this may be a consideration.
A little yellow, a little blue, a little red, and a lot of green will fill your garden space with color and delight.
If you want a garden landscape that will pop, contact us today.