A great looking garden can not only enhance the beauty and desirability of a home, but can also be a great source of enjoyment. Southern California is a naturally drier climate, The average seasonal rainfall is about 15 inches, and more than half of the rainfall comes during the three winter months, with no rain for long periods of time.
Watering flowers, lawns and shrubs in this area is quite a different problem than in the East. Artificial watering through sprinkling or irrigating is a necessity, in order to conserve and reduce water use and minimze cost.
The homeowner's landscaping concerns may be building a lawn, preparation of flower and other planting beds, landscaping and gardening service, a landscape architect, obtaining plans from a local nursery, and hiring a gardener. There are also plenty of online resources for native plant suggestions and creating a "xeroscape" that fits in with local climate conditions.
If you are in Long Beach or Southern California and are thinking about your buying or selling real estate decision, planning of your outdoor space and its landscaping will become important because of appearance, and also because of the greater need for water efficiency.
Traditional landscaping checklist:
1. Are there trees on the property around which the landscaping plan can be built?
2. Are the trees in a healthy state or will expensive surgery and repair be required?
3. Are there rocks suitable for a rock garden or a stone garden wall?
4. Is there a view which you may wish to make a central feature of the landscaping?
5. Will the location of your house on the lot leave room for the landscaping design you wish?
6. Will sunny or shady locations be available for the growing of the flowers you want?
7. Is ample water available for sprinkling or irrigation?
8. Can you care for the completed garden yourself, or will help be required?
9. Is gardening help available in the area for a reasonable price?
10. Is the exposure, and nature of the soil suitable for the kinds of things you wish to grow?
11. Will imported soil be necessary for the lawn?
12. Is there suitable drainage for the lawn and flower beds?
13. Is there privacy in the rear yard?
14. Will landscaping hide unwanted features or views?
15. Will the completed landscaping present an orderly and beautiful appearance?
To find out more about Long Beach garden ideas and "California friendly" planting, be sure to look at these links for being waterwise with garden ideas, and notice of local events.
