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I started a year ago February trying to kill off my grass so I could plant a beautiful garden. I tried all the tricks in the book, but no go. The city wants something that is alive and almost dead grass and weeds are not on their list of plants.
Finally, as a last resort, I paid someone big bucks to remove the sod, weed, etc. I established my planting beds and planted some plants. Most of the plants I planned on aren't available this time of the year. I've chosen drought tolerant and low-water plants. But, the city still isn't happy because I have not covered 60% of the yard with live greenery.
I am so-o-o-o frustrated! I feel like Big Brother is looking over my shoulder and monitoring everything I do and don't do. The city wants that garden and they want it yesterday.
Help! I thought planting my beautiful garden would be part of the trip. Guess not. Any ideas on plants, etc. that will fill out now, not later, and is cost effective? Plants that can be easily removed when I get the plants I actually want. I love airy fairy and I live in Zone 9. Anyone else have a problem with Big Brother?
My ideas? Go native!
Native plants thrive in the given area of their growth - so looking for plants that are not just native to your country, but endemic to your region would make a fabulous choice. However, you need to make sure that endemic species be given their exact growing preference which in a city garden is not always easy to do. I've had trouble matching their needs to my situation.
We have a college near by with a fabulous collection of native plants which grow in my similar situation. I've had great luck using their plantings as examples to help make my own choices.
For your situation, you may want to download some statistics on grass and water consumption rates to keep the grass healthy. California is concerned about water usage (or they should be!!). You can draw a landscape design plan, and state a short, simple goal "I want to have an edible landscape" or " I want my yard to have 100% green coverage - it will take 3 years from planting to attain this goal". Let them have an idea of what is happening. List some of the plants you want your garden to contain.
Hope that this is what they are looking for - some assurance that you are going to continue to work on your goals and that you have a good solid idea of when you might reach them.
