I live in Southern California zone 10a. I have only ever attempted caring for a lemon tree I had picked up from costco and it ended up dying on me. We have been wanting to fix up the yard and make it look much more inviting to pollinators! Problem is that we do have two large dogs who are active and run around the yard so I would like to line the fence with plants. I like flowers and more bushy green plants, however I am open to any plants and are looking for more dog friendly plants. Also I would like some kind of turf grass or any alternatives to place in patches to give the dogs if anyone has suggestions for that or anything else! What would you do with this yard?
by LoodyFruity
4 Comments
Try googling your region and the words “native plants.” In water strapped areas like yours, I feel native plants will be especially important. I don’t know which are best, but you should try to find any native plant nurseries or local orgs – they are likely to have recommended plant lists and maybe even planting maps!
Plant a bee lawn . Twin city seed has several choices available. I did half my yard this year and plan on doing the other half next year
You could make a food forest or if your having too much problems add a load if woodchips and try again woth your previous attempts
Ooooooh!! A blank slate!! Try out your question in the [r/ceanothus](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceanothus/) sub, too! (I’m bad at links) You want to get the correct plants for the pollinators in your area. [Theodore Payne](https://theodorepayne.org/plants-and-seeds/nursery/retail-nursery/) foundation is a great resource and fall is the best time to plant! I would do a little DG and pea gravel meandering path around the yard for the dogs to explore on. And fill in the rest with free wood chips from a tree company. And then add lots of different native sages, lilacs, and large grasses for them to pee on and hide in. Deer grass is pretty indestructible. California natives are a bit different in terms of the care they need, so you will need to learn about that. [CalScape](https://www.calscape.org) Can help you figure out what plants belong in your local area. Be careful! Natives are addicting!!