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Jan 2014 lecture - 'Out of the Wilds & Into your Garden'
Citation preview
© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND – 2014 (our 10th year)
© Project SOUND
Accent on Annuals: some of
our more unusual annual
wildflowers
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
January 4 & 7, 2014
What do you think of when you picture a
wildflower garden?
© Project SOUND
http://gardenersbasement.com/planting-a-wild-flower-garden/
Many of us have a hard time envisioning
wildflowers in our gardens
© Project SOUND
http://www.theodorepayne.org/history/seedspmix2a.jpg
It’s time for the California native gardening
tradition to take the next step…
© Project SOUND
http://mostbeautifulgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/simple-
sofisticated-backyard-garden.jpg
http://acharlottegarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/california-native-plant-garden-at-san.html
… become more
sophisticated
2014: Bringing Nature Home - Lessons
from Gardening Traditions Worldwide
© Project SOUND
Bringing Nature Home: Mother Nature +
the art of gardening (gardening ‘secrets’)
© Project SOUND
The ‘essence’ of Japanese gardening is
to capture the ‘spirit’ of the natural world
in which we live - and bring it home
© Project SOUND
Wildflower gardens should reflect (but not
necessarily recreate) their natural context
© Project SOUND http://gardenersbasement.com/planting-a-wild-flower-garden/
http://www.moprairie.org/placemarks/coyne-prairie-dade-county/
http://www.laspilitas.com/easy/easywildflower.htm
First we need to develop a deep understanding of the natural landscape
Then we must determine the ‘essence’ of what makes our California landscape unique
Only then can we apply traditional principles for ‘bringing nature home’
© Project SOUND
http://sequoiariverlands.wordpress.com/category/native-plants/
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/category/tags/san-diego-native-landscaping?page=3
Beautiful, authentic
gardens begin with nature
We’ve focused on local prairie/pool plants
used in local gardens
Camissonia species (Suncups)
Clarkia purpurea (Purple Clarkia)
Collinsia heterophylla (Chinese Houses)
Gilia tricolor (Birds-eye Gilia)
Lasthenia californica (Goldfields)
Layia platyglossa (Tidytips)
Lupines (Lupinus bicolor; L. succulentis)
Annual Salvias
© Project SOUND http://www.speciesphoto.com/images/sjwa/2004_03_09/DSCN0009.html
Today we’ll venture further afield in
search of annual wildflowers for the
home garden
© Project SOUND
Turkish rugging – Chorizanthe stacticoides
©2009 Thomas Stoughton
Foothills/mountains of the Coast Ranges from Monterey County southward into San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties.
Another series of populations on Santa Catalina Island and along the coast (L.A. Co.) and immediately adjacent foothills in Orange and San Diego counties
In LA. County: Catalina Isl.; Malibu Lake; ‘Inglewood Hills’; Santa Monica, San Gabriel, Santa Susanna & Verdugo Mtns
Highly variable
© Project SOUND
Turkish rugging – Chorizanthe stacticoides
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=19357
Sandy to gravelly or rocky places, coastal scrub, mixed grassland, chaparral, pine-oak woodlands, 1000-4000 ft elevation
© Project SOUND
Size depends on conditions
Size: 1 ft tall
1-5 ft wide (spreads with water)
Growth form: Herbaceous annual wildflower
Form typical for annuals in buckwheat family:
Erect or spreading
Foliage: Mostly in basal rosette
Spatulate leaves; often hairy
Leaves dry up at time of flowering; nice colors
Infusion of entire plant used as lotion for pimples
©2009 Robert Steers
©2003 Michael Charters
Flowers: pinks
Blooms: depends on rains; April-July
Flowers: Pink (medium to bright), lavender
Many small flowers in loose or dense clusters – flat spray
Involucres (series of bracts beneath flowers) & petals colored
Combination of colored leaves, bracts, flowers gives multicolored effect – ‘Turkish rugging’
©2009 Thomas Stoughton
©2009 Neal Kramer
http://www.smmflowers.org/bloom/species/Chorizanthe_staticoides.htm http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Polygonaceae/Chorizanthe%20staticoides.
htm
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: well-drained best
pH: any local
Light: full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: soils need to be
moist through growth season
Summer: taper off once flower buds begin to form
Fertilizer: none needed - likes poor soils; low dose if fine
Other: no mulch or gravel mulch for best reseeding
©2005 Aaron Schusteff
CA Wildflower gardening basics
Obtain seeds from a reputable CA native plant source
Plant seeds when winter rains begin
For best growth & reseeding, plant in bare ground or (better) use an inorganic (gravel) mulch
Keep plants well-watered during growing season – don’t hesitate to supplement
Taper off water when flowering starts to wane
Let plants reseed naturally or collect and store seed
© Project SOUND
http://sbwildflowers.wordpress.com/wildflowers/polygonaceae/choriz
anthe/chorizanthe-staticoides/
© Project SOUND
Turkish delight
Massed – on slopes or where can be viewed from above
In a rock garden or dry stone wall
In containers
Combined with summer-dry grasses
As spring groundcover around local native shrubs ©2011 Chris Winchell
http://www.smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/plant_of_the_month_201306_Turkish_Rugging.php http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Polygonaceae/Chorizanthe%20staticoides.htm
© Project SOUND
* Desert Candle – Caulanthus inflatus
©2003 Mark Bratton
Common, Mojave desert; Antelope Valley; also in S. Sierra foothills, foothills of Transverse Ranges
Open, sandy plains and rocky slopes between 2000' and 5000‘ in Creosote Bush Scrub, Valley Grassland, Joshua Tree Woodland
© Project SOUND
* Desert Candle – Caulanthus inflatus
Jo-Ann Ordano © California Academy of Sciences. ©2010 Neal Kramer
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?2240,2371,2388
© Project SOUND
Desert candle: an unusual ‘Mustard’
Size: 1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous annual
Robust, upright habit
Stem is swollen and hollow
Young upper stems can be cooked and eaten
Foliage: Large, coarse leaves, often
with toothed margins
Leaves clasp the stem
Jo-
Ann Ordano © California Academy
of Sciences.
©2010 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Flowers: weird & wonderful
Blooms: in spring after rains; in the wilds, Mar-May, in garden probably Mar-Apr.
Flowers: Flowers are small, very narrow
tubes & white
Flower bracts are white tipped with maroon-purple
Flowers on short stalks around the inflated stem – typical for Brassicaceae
Overall appearance: a lit ‘candle’ – hence common name
Seeds: in long ‘pod’ that splits when dry, dropping seeds
Charles Webber © California Academ
y of Sciences
©2011 Aaron Schusteff
Caulanthus from seed
Known to have low germination rates
Usually means some pre-treatment factor is needed
Look to Mother Nature: How long are seeds in ground
in nature?
What factors are they exposed to? Heat? Cold? Multiple rains? Fire/smoke?
More on this next month – ‘Botany for Gardeners’
© Project SOUND http://www.hazmac.biz/030421/030421CaulanthusInflatus.html
© Project SOUND
Desert foothills Soils: Texture: best with well-drained
– sandy, rocky – no heavy clays
pH: any local incl. alkali
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: needs good soil
moisture Nov/Dec until Feb.
Summer: taper off after flowering commences
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: need to plant in Nov/Dec., even if you have to water. More on winter watering in our March talk – ‘Climate Change ‘
©2009 Shawn DeCew
© Project SOUND
Garden candles
In a desert-themed garden
In a dry rock garden, with other spring annuals
In a dry meadow planting, with cool season grasses, S. CA wildflowers
As an unusual pot plant – often the unusual ones are the most fun
©2005 Dieter Wilken ©2008 John Game
These are unusual wildflowers, but how
can I use them effectively in my garden?
© Project SOUND ©2009 Shawn DeCew
Let’s see what gardens from another,
similar climate can suggest
© Project SOUND
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa
South Africa: much
in common with us
Mediterranean climate
Topography shaped by plate tectonics
High mountains
© Project SOUND http://www.southafrica-travel.net/Medaia/Geomap.gif
http://www.selftours.co.za/maps.htm
http://www.calflora.net/southafrica/rainfall.html
w. L.A. Co.
Many well-known gardens in South Africa
As here, botanic gardens are often associated with universities or large cities
But some the most famous – and oldest/youngest – are unique
Combine aspects of botanic gardens with nature preserves – they are literally ‘gardens within preserves’ – much like Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
© Project SOUND North-West University Botanical Garden
© Project SOUND http://www.friendsreunited.com/kirstenbosch-national-botanical-garden-cape-town/Memory/1c37c8a0-cb83-4625-8888-a127008a6e31
South Africa: Biodiversity ‘hotspot’
South Africa is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, after Indonesia and Brazil.
Occupies only about 2% of the world's land area, but is home to nearly: 10% of the world's plants; 7% of the reptiles, birds and mammals and 15% of known coastal marine species.
9 biomes (unique vegetation landscapes), 3 of which have been declared global biodiversity hotspots.
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_succotrina
Biomes of South Africa
© Project SOUND
Nama karoo Fynbos
savannah
http://www.ekapa.ioisa.org.za/biomes/intro.htm#2
Grassland
Succulent karoo
Thicket
South Africa’s National Botanic Gardens
9 National Botanical Gardens
Now managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
The focus is:
Growing and conserving South Africa’s indigenous plants
Conserving natural vegetation and associated biodiversity within their boundaries
Promoting and raising environmental awareness in South Africa and abroad.
© Project SOUND http://justcallmegertie.wordpress.com/tag/hantam-national-botanical-garden/
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Africa-Pretoria-
National_Botanical_Gardens03.jpg
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
One of the world’s great botanic gardens.
Location: against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the rich and diverse flora of southern Africa
Was the first botanic garden in the world to be devoted to a country's indigenous flora.
© Project SOUND
http://www.soccerphile.com/soccerphile/wc2010/city_guide/kirstenbosch.html
http://ecoaffect.org/2012/07/25/4-out-of-8-worlds-most-amazing-botanical-gardens-are-
apga-members/
© Project SOUND
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch displays a wide variety of the unique plant life of the Cape Flora (the fynbos), as well as plants from all the diverse regions of southern Africa.
© Project SOUND
http://annabengan.blogspot.com/2012/07/kirstenbosch-national-botanical-garden.html
Kirstenbosch is part of a nature reserve. The 36 hectare garden is part of
a 528 hectare (1300 acre) estate that contains protected mountainside
supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and
birds. The Kirstenbosch Estate borders the Table Mountain National Park.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
© Project SOUND
http://toptravellists.net/table-mountain-and-kirstenbosch-national-botanical-gardens-cape-town-south-africa.html
30-60 inches of rain – more like N. CA coast
Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region. In 2004, the
Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site
Lessons from the Kirstenbosch
© Project SOUND
http://www.cape-town-tourism.za.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/01300735.jpg
1) Importance of accenting unique native species
2. Using colorful flowers to best advantage
© Project SOUND
http://www.neverstoptraveling.com/south-africa-the-other-side-of-the-table-mountain
The ‘essence’ of sophisticated gardening
is to capture the ‘spirit’ of the natural
world in which we live - and bring it home
© Project SOUND
First we need to develop a deep understanding of the natural landscape
Then we must determine the ‘essence’ of what makes our California landscape unique
Only then can we apply traditional principles for ‘bringing nature home’
© Project SOUND
http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/california-poppies-
lupines-rich-reid.jpg
Bringing Nature Home
Desert Candle in the Mojave Desert
© Project SOUND http://forums.backpacker.com/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi?act=Print;f=8971047454;t=9991132727
Four lessons on color from the Kirstenbosch
© Project SOUND
1. Limit the palette – a single species or color family
http://www.123rf.com/photo_16347008_kirstenbosch-national-botanical-gardens-in-cape-town-
south-africa.html
http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/western-cape/kirstenbosch-national-
botanical-gardens/
Four lessons on color from the Kirstenbosch
© Project SOUND
2. Mass color for maximal effect - plant in swaths, drifts, instead of mixing many colors together
http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/western-cape/kirstenbosch-national-botanical-gardens/http://www.neverstoptraveling.com/south-africa-the-other-side-of-the-table-mountain
http://forums.backpacker.com/cgi-
bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi?act=Print;f=8971047454;t=9991132727
Four lessons on color from the Kirstenbosch
© Project SOUND
3. Plant densely: important both for aesthetics and for plant reproduction
http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/western-cape/kirstenbosch-national-botanical-gardens/
© Project SOUND
http://www.capetown.travel/blog/entry/blue_crowding_orange_at_kirstenbosch_flickr_pic_of_the_
day
http://blog.thomascook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/South-Africa-
Kirstenbosch-Botanical-Gardens.jpg
http://www.activetravels.com/blog/userfiles/image/IMG_6737(2).jpg
Four lessons on color from the Kirstenbosch
4. Carefully plan color contrasts
http://tejonranch.com/wp-content/uploads/flower5.jpg
Douglas’ Meadowfoam – Limnanthes douglasii
http://www.em.ca/garden/ann_limnanthes_douglasii.html
© Project SOUND
* White Meadowfoam – Limnanthes alba
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
© Project SOUND
* White Meadowfoam – Limnanthes alba
©2012 Jean Pawek
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-
bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4945,4948,4949
http://online.sfsu.edu/bholzman/courses/Fall01%20projects/sbee.htm
Vernal pools of Central Valley; also foothills of N/Central Sierras
Usually in seasonally moist, grassy places: Valley Grassland, Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest, wetland-riparian.
Ssp. : Limnanthes alba ssp. alba; ? Ssp. gracilis; ? Ssp. parishii; Limnanthes alba ssp. versicolor
‘Limnanthes’ means ‘marsh flower’
© Project SOUND
White Meadowfoam: dainty spring forbe
Size: 1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous annual
Erect or reclining habit; most erect when massed
Stems slender; one or more from base
Foliage: Medium green; sparse
Leaves finely dissected
Roots: Shallow roots; easy to transplant
©2013 Debra L. Cook
© Project SOUND
White flowers
Blooms: Blooms as soils dry out;
usually Feb-April in S. CA
Flowers: Pure white with pale yellow
centers; may become pale pink with age
5 petals have radiating veins
Light sweet scent
Attracts insect pollinators; not self-fertile (pollen released before female parts are receptive) so need multiple plants
Seeds: grown and pressed to produce ‘Meadowfoam oil’
©2011 Hattie Brown
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: poorly draining soils in
nature; clays and others in garden
pH: any local
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: moist soils; supplement
as needed
Summer: taper off water as plants bloom
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: no mulch / gravel mulch for best reseeding; will tolerate a thin layer of organic mulch
©2012 Jean Pawek
The usefulness of white: contrast
© Project SOUND
http://blog.thomascook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/South-Africa-
Kirstenbosch-Botanical-Gardens.jpg
http://img0.liveinternet.ru/images/attach/c/7/97/911/97911516_limnanthes_alba.jpg
http://www.plumjam.com/wildflowers/5-2013-Jenkinson/
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8573032478_997b8c082b_z.jpg
© Project SOUND
White wildflowers: contrast Attractive pot plant; use a colored pot
for maximum effect
Massed – ‘sea of white’
Rain garden; dry swale
Edging pathways
With brightly colored wildflowers
In vegetable garden – attracts insect pollinators & other beneficials; use also as ‘green manure’
©2012 Jean Pawek
Mark W. Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/PublishingImages/lg/cons_profile_liflgr_plant.jpg
Good companions
Douglas’ meadowfoam (yellow)
Baby blue-eyes (blue)
Any of the Goldfields (yellow)
Ranunculus californicus (yellow)
Zeltnera/Centaureum (pink)
Linanthus spp. (pink)
© Project SOUND
http://blog.anniesannuals.com/
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8573032478_997b8c082b_z.jpg
© Project SOUND
Monterey Centaury – Zeltnera (Centaurium)
muehlenbergii
©2009 Ron Wolf
Western North America from British Columbia to CA, NV
In CA: N. and Central coast; foothills of N. CA
Moist areas in many communities: Sagebrush Scrub, Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Oak Woodland, Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland, Northern Juniper Woodland
Previous names: Centaurium muehlenbergii ; Centaurium curvistamineum; Centaurium floribundum
© Project SOUND
Monterey Centaury – Zeltnera (Centaurium)
muehlenbergii
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4374,4375,4380
http://www.wildflowersearch.com/search?oldstate=gloc%
3Az%3Bbloom%3AIgnore%3Bname%3AZeltnera+muehl
enbergii
The Gentian family: Gentianaceae
Mostly herbaceous; some shrubs
Distribution – almost world-wide, though some species have very narrow distribution
Flowers: Bisexual; usually insect
pollinated
Commonly bell-shaped, in parts of 4 or 5
Fruit: often capsule Uses:
Garden flowers – many quite lovely
Medicinal and flavoring plants
© Project SOUND
http://www.infoescola.com/plantas/familia-gentianaceae/
The ‘Centauries’: not 1 but 4 genera
The new genus Zeltnera comprises 25 species mainly confined to California, Mexico, and Texas.
Gyrandra is a small genus with three species restricted to some areas of Mexico and Central America
Schenkia comprises five species: Asia, Eurasia, north Africa, and a rare/endangered Hawaiian endemic.
The genus Centaurium s.s. consists of ca. 20 species of primarily Mediterranean distribution.
© Project SOUND
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/canchalagua.html
© Project SOUND
Monterey Centaury Size:
1-3 ft tall (usually < 2)
1-3 ft wide (usually 1-2)
Growth form: Herbaceous annual
Slender, erect stems – usually branching
Stems medium green, smooth
Foliage: Medium to pale green
Leaves simple, opposite on stem and rather sparse
Leaf shape: ovate
Infusion of plants used for constipation by native peoples
©2004 Carol W. Witham
© Project SOUND
Garden-pretty flowers
Blooms: in spring; usually Apr-May in S. CA gardens
Flowers: Bright pink (usual) to
medium pink with white (yellow) centers
Funnel-shaped; 5-petals
Flowers in loose clusters, mostly above the foliage
Very attractive;
Seeds: Many small seeds in dry
capsules; re-seeds nicely
©2008 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any – rocky to clay
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: needs good soil
moisture
Summer: OK with some summer irrigation; withhold after flowering ceases
Fertilizer: none needed; some fertilizer will be tolerated fine
Other: no deep organic mulches if you want it to re-seed.
http://dennismarelli.net/2009-06-22_1%20Gentian%20cropped.jpg
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Centauries Natural prairie with Ranunculus californicus,
Asclepias fascicularis, Sisyrinchium bellum and N. CA grasses
Mass for clouds of magenta color along pathways, near fences & walls
Under shrubs, including roses
Charming pot plants – either alone or in combination
©2013 Margo Bors
http://www.santacruzmountainsecology.com/wp-content/uploads/Centaurium-muehlenbergii-
Monterey-Centaury.jpg
http://www.scmta-trails.org/050605-wilder/050605-wilder-0031.jpg
If your garden is a bit drier in summer
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
Charming Centaury – Zeltnera venusta
© Project SOUND
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4374,4375,4382l
Widespread in foothills and coastal areas Locally on Catalina Island Santa Monica Mtns San Gabriel & Desert
mountains (foothills) ?other locally
Relatively common on dry slopes and flats to about 3000 ft. elevation in: Coastal sage scrub Chaparral Grasslands Foothill woodlands and
pine forests
Charming Centaury – Zeltnera venusta
© Project SOUND
Charming Centaury provides a surprising spot of color among the drying grasses of summer
http://bfs.claremont.edu/biota/plants/centaurium.html
© Project SOUND
Charming Centaury looks like an old-
fashioned garden flower
Size:
6” to 2 ft tall
1 ft wide
Growth form: annual wildflower
Erect
Simple, open branching stem
Foliage: Gray-green to blue-green; fresh
looking
Leaves simple, narrow to oblong
© Project SOUND
Flowers are fantastic
Blooms: Late spring/summer
usually May-July in our area
Flowers: Color: range from bright
magenta to white
Five rose/magenta petals white at the base with a yellow throat; may or may not have dark magenta spots
Anthers twist spirally after their pollen has been harvested
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/socal/cancha4.htm
© Project SOUND
Charming Centaury does well in a water-
wise garden
Soils: Texture: any; well-drained
slightly preferred
pH: any local
Light: full sun to light shade
Water: Young plants: need good
spring soil moisture
Summer: Zone 2 or 2-3 until flowering; then Zone 1
Fertilizer: none needed
© Project SOUND
Charming Centaury
in the garden
Use it, as in nature, in a natural prairie with Lupines, Poppies, Goldenrods and native grasses Note: interbreeds with other
native Centauries – don’t plant if these grow naturally near your garden
Mass for clouds of magenta color in early summer
Try it along pathways, near fences & walls
As always, native annuals make great pot plants – either alone or in combination
© Project SOUND
Native Californians valued Charming
Centaury as a medicine plant
Tea from leaves or flowers used for:
Reducing fevers Pneumonia Viral illnesses
http://www.csuchico.edu/bccer/Ecosystem/FloraFauna/pics/Flora/Centaurium_ve
nustum.jpg
© Project SOUND
A burning question: to sow in pots or
directly into the ground
Charming Centaury seeds: Many small seeds in dry, papery capsule Easy to collect – just tap capsules to shake
seeds into envelope or box
Advantages of starting annuals in pots: Protection from bird predation May be able to start earlier – give added
warmth Less seed waste; easier to control seedling
rates, especially for smaller seeds Easier to control soil water for delicate
seedlings
Disadvantages: Potential to disturb roots with
transplanting More work: have to transplant
http://www.hazmac.biz/050829/050829CentauriumVenustum.html
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/502812779_aa75744cda.jpg
Four lessons on color from the Kirstenbosch
© Project SOUND
1. Limit the palette – a single species or color family
2. Mass color for maximal effect - plant in swaths or drifts, instead of mixing many colors together
3. Plant densely
4. Carefully plan color contrasts
Four lessons on color from the Kirstenbosch
© Project SOUND
1. Limit the palette – a single species or color family
2. Mass color for maximal effect - plant in swaths, instead of mixing many colors together
3. Plant densely
4. Carefully plan color contrasts
© Project SOUND
* Large-flower Linanthus – Leptosiphon (Linanthus)
grandiflorus
N. and Central CA coast – Santa Barbara Co north
Full extend of distribution unclear – many populations extirpated
AKA ‘Mountain Phlox’ – nursery trade
© Project SOUND
* Large-flower Linanthus – Leptosiphon (Linanthus)
grandiflorus
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Linanthus grandiflorus
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
http://www.bayesianinvestor.com/pix/2010/hikes2010may.html
© Project SOUND
Large-flowers, small plant
Size: 1-2 ft tall
1 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous annual wildflower
Mounded form along coast; may be more upright in garden
Stems hairy, branched above
Usually forms dense colonies
Foliage: Leaves unusual; narrowly divided
Leaves in whorls around stem; at intervals
Foliage is quite sparse
©2003 Michael Charters
© Project SOUND
Flowers: phlox lovely
Blooms: in late spring, usually Apr-July in western L.A. county
Flowers: Pink and white; often central are is
white, pink outer
Five fused petals; open funnel-form
Sweetly scented – attract native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Seeds: easy to grow
©2009 Barry Breckling
©2013 John Doyen
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: well-drained best; sandy in nature
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part-shade; dappled
sun fine
Water: Winter: needs moist soils –
supplement if needed
Summer: keep plants blooming with occasional summer water – Water Zone 2
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils but will tolerate weak fertilizer
Other: gravel mulch or none is best; thin organic mulch OK
©2009 Barry Breckling
© Project SOUND
Using Linanthus
Excellent container plant – alone or with other annuals
In part-shade under trees; naturalizes well
With N. coastal grasses for a northern prairie
Must have for: scented garden; pollinator garden
Vegetable garden; under fruit trees
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptosiphon_grandiflorus
http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2009/10/linanthus-grandiflorus/
The gardens of Cordoba, Spain
© Project SOUND
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/spain/map_of_spain.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_Bridge,_C%C3%B3rdoba,_Espana.jpg
The climate of Corboda: hot and dry
© Project SOUND
Gardens reflect the climate – and Moorish and Roman
gardening traditions
http://www.inlandandalucia.com/CordobaInfo.aspx
Cordoba is well known for its patio gardens
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http://www.spainisculture.com/export/sites/cultura/multimedia/galerias/monumentos/palacio_vian
a_cordoba_t1400131.jpg_1306973099.jpg
http://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/1467585-bigthumbnail.jpg
http://www.rosstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RP-Cordoba-courtyard-1_final.jpg
http://www.piccavey.com/cordoba-patios-palacio-viana/
Cordoba’s spring garden contest…
© Project SOUND http://lincolnbrody.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-weekend-in-
cordoba/
… over the top color
4 Lessons in color from Cordoba gardens
1. Use containers to provide seasonal color
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http://www.spain-holiday.com/blog/the-crosses-of-may-come-to-cordoba.php http://zeitgeistinapetiole.wordpress.com/category/plants/
4 Lessons in color from Cordoba gardens
2. Limit the color palette
© Project SOUND
http://nature.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/1448746/
http://www.rosstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RP-Cordoba-courtyard-1_final.jpg
4 Lessons in color from Cordoba gardens
3. Use hardscape to provide additional color, contrast
© Project SOUND
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/06/greathomesanddestinations/patios-as-a-competitive-sport-it-
must-be-cordoba.html?_r=0
http://lincolnbrody.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-weekend-in-
cordoba/
4 Lessons in color from Cordoba gardens
4. Choose colors that support your aim: hot, exciting brights or cool, soothing pastels
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
* Red Ribbons – Clarkia concinna
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
* Red Ribbons – Clarkia concinna
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5263,5341,5358
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CLCO
Endemic to California - low-elevation mountains/foothills of the N. CA
Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Oak Woodland, Douglas-Fir Forest, CSS – sea level to 4000 ft or so
Three sub-species: ssp. automixa; ssp. concinna; ssp. raichei
© Project SOUND
Red Ribbons: Clarkia characteristics
Size: 1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous annual
Upright habit
Slender appearance
Foliage: Medium green; sometimes
red-tinged
Leaves more rounded than other clarkia
©2009 Terry Dye
© Project SOUND
Flowers: very showy
Blooms: Spring or early summer; April to
June or July (like elegant Clarkia)
Flowers: Magenta or pink
Petals are deeply lobed – quite unusual for a Clarkia
Sepals are thin, dark – like ‘red ribbons’
Super pretty and unique; and dependable like all Clarkias
Seeds: Many small seeds in capsule
Harvest flowering stems, invert in paper bag and let dry
©2012 Jason Matthias
Mills
©2008 Ron Wolf
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: just about any;
well-drained best
pH: any local
Light: Best in part-shade: dappled
sun, high shade under trees, morning sun.
Water: Winter: adequate for young
seedlings
Summer: taper off when flowering wanes
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: gravel mulch promotes re-seeding
©2008 Doreen L. Smith
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
© Project SOUND
Brighten up your shade
For a brilliant show under trees
Mid-bed for shady mixed beds
Color bowls on shady porches
Hanging baskets
Seeds are edible – parch
Attracts hummingbirds!
©2006 Matt Below
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College ©2000 Joseph Dougherty/ecology.org
4 Lessons in color from Cordoba gardens
1. Use containers to provide seasonal color
2. Limit the color palette © Project SOUND
http://heynatives.blogspot.com/2010/01/waiting-for-wildflowers.html
http://camissonia.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2013_04_01_archive.html
4 Lessons in color from Cordoba gardens
3. Use hardscape to provide additional color, contrast
4. Choose colors that support your aim: hot brights or cool, refeshing pastels
© Project SOUND
http://montanawildlifegardener.blogspot.com/2012/
07/some-other-things-flowering-in-garden.html
http://www.piccavey.com/cordoba-patios-palacio-viana/
© Project SOUND
* Mountain Collomia/Large-flowered Phlox Collomia grandiflora
©2005 Victoria Marshall
Western N. America, including foothills and Mtns of CA (west of Sierras)
Locally: San Gabriel & Liebre mtns
Known in nursery trade as ‘Large-flowered Phlox’; AKA ‘Grand Collomia’
© Project SOUND
* Mountain Collomia/Large-flowered Phlox Collomia grandiflora
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5654,5662,5664
©2013 Jean Pawek
© Project SOUND
Mountain Collomia: simple herbaceous plant
Size: 1-3 ft tall
1 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous annual
Upright habit; robust stem may be branched at top
Stem usually hairy & may be red
Foliage: Leaves medium green; lance-shaped
or linear
Simple, alternate
Infusion of leaves/stalks taken for constipation and to "clean out your system.".
Roots: long taproot
©2006 Steven Thorsted
©2009 Gary A. Monroe
http://www.yosemitehikes.com/wildflowers/large-flowered-collomia/gallerly-leaf.htm
© Project SOUND
Flowers: wonderful!
Blooms: in late spring – usually April to May or even June
Flowers: Shades of salmon orange
Flowers trumpet-shaped with 5 petals
Flowers in dense to loose cluster at top of stem
Distinctive blue pollen
Seeds: Fruit a dry capsule with
sticky seeds
Re-seeds well - Invasive in
Middle East, Mediterranean
©2006 Steven Thorsted
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: most
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part-shade
[some shade is better in many gardens]
Water: Winter: needs moist soil
Summer: let plants dry out to promote flowering and seed production
Fertilizer: none needed. Fine with poor soils, but will grow bigger with a little fertilizer
Other: no mulch or gravel mulch
© Project SOUND
Large-flower phlox
Excellent addition to mixed flower bed – nice color
In a ‘meadow’ with local mountain grasses, annuals
As an attractive container plant; a lovely soft combination with white-flowered annuals
©2012 Steven Perry
© Clayton J. Antieau © 2008, G. D. Carr
We’ve come to the end of our ‘accent on
annuals’
© Project SOUND
©2009 Barry Breckling
http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.a
sp?prodid=249
http://www.scmta-trails.org/050605-wilder/050605-wilder-0031.jpg
We’ve ‘visited’ some interesting gardens
© Project SOUND
http://www.pinterest.com/jlviles/porches-patios/ http://www.jasonelk.com/2013/01/its-a-beautiful-day-at-harold-porter-botanical-
garden-in-bettys-bay/
Lessons from some great mediterranean
climate gardens
1. Limit the palette – a single species or color family
2. Choose colors that support your aim: hot brights or cool pastels
3. Mass color for maximal effect - plant in swaths or clumps, instead of mixing many colors together
4. Plant densely – in pots of in the ground
5. Carefully plan color contrasts – including contrasts with hardscape
6. Use containers to provide seasonal color
7. Use hardscape to provide additional color, contrast
© Project SOUND
What do you think of when you picture a
wildflower garden?
© Project SOUND http://gardenersbasement.com/planting-a-wild-flower-garden/
http://tejonranch.com/wp-content/uploads/flower5.jpg
http://californianativegardendesign.blogspot.com/2011/05/sowing-california-native-
wildflowers.html
It’s not too late to plant some annual
wildflowers
© Project SOUND
The annual wildflowers are a bit slow this year
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Come next month for ‘Botany for
Gardeners’
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