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BY TANYA A. YACINA
It’s no secret that many South Orange County properties don’t always include a large amount of outdoor space. When homeowners want to plant a flower or vegetable garden, creativity to maximize a limited area is key.
Ruben Flores, president and owner of Laguna Nursery, Inc. and Visionscape, Inc., says that when someone is deciding what flowers or vegetables to plant in a small garden space, they should look for what plants grow well in a coastal climate, as well as what makes them happy.
“If you’re excited about your garden, you will more likely go tend to it. If it’s just a chore you may not go toil,” he explains.“We are finally reflecting nature in our gardens — what I have been preaching for years. Less formal lawns and more meadows; less annuals and more perennials; more pollinators. Less ornamentals and more
sustainables, herbs, vegetables, fragrance fruits, nuts and berries.”
Laguna Beach Garden Club President Nancy Englund says dramatic scale makes a small area seem bigger, so she often reaches for larger plants to plant in this type of area. She also recommends indulging in the plants you love and that give you joy.
“Big, bold designs in a small space make a huge impact on the enjoyment of the space,” she says. “Even a small area planted with natives can contribute to a healthier environment. Any plant in the ground improves the soil by helping soil absorb water and providing food and protection for pollinators. Weeds break up the soil and decompose, enriching the soil.”
Englund grows parsley and chives in her
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own garden, and occasionally tucks them into with annuals in a little planter, so they are on hand whenever cooking needs a punch of flavor. She says the almost-black leaves of beets are gorgeous, which makes up for her plants never producing a harvest.
“We are in an era that is fraught with stress and frustration. Gardens can provide that space of exploration wonder joy and happy labor,” says Flores. Simultaneously, [a garden] can provide that escape that allows one to contemplate, or just vegetate, and watch the world that happens when we think we are the ones in charge.”
Small Garden, Big Potential
South Orange County’s climate is favorable to grow many kinds of plants, vegetables and flowers. Flores suggests that, while “everything thrives here,” it is important to identify the flora, foliage and vegetation that grows best in the space and light at hand in a small garden area.
“There are [also] plants that smell so good that you get one whiff and your whole demeanor changes,” he said. “Get some of these and see how your whole day changes.”
Flores calls these “attitude adjustment plants,” and his list of favorites includes lavender, Lemon Verbena, Breath of Heaven, Philadelphus and many more.
“Make sure you buy plants that actually work in [the] area,” he says. “[For example], apple trees with a high need for chill hours may flower but will not fruit. So, get the Anna apple, Granny Smith Golden Dorsett or Gala; don’t do Red Delicious.”
Englund suggests planting and growing a “salad bowl,” which includes several kinds of lettuce, chives and parsley in a small pot, and recommends harvesting the outer leaves. She also says adding a few annuals can make this micro-garden pretty enough to be a centerpiece on a patio.
“I used to be a snob about annuals, but
now I love them. During the summer, I plant fresh color pots for guests instead of cut flowers,” says Englund. “In fact, I used to fill the house with cut flowers for guests, but when I learned how terrible they are for the environment, I switched to live plants and making colorful pots of flowers, which I refresh — tuck in a few new plants — or completely replant several times over the summer.”
Native plants also easier to grow in their own climate and don’t require a lot of time or attention. Flores says not to fuss over them, but to simply plant them, water them heavily in the winter and early spring, then let them dry out in late spring and summer.
“Typically, natives need little water once established,” Englund says. “Natives are available at any nursery. Remember not to deadhead because native birds eat the seeds of native plants, and they may resow.”
“Most everything grows in our locality, so find out how to support it. Vines on a wall if space is limited, otherwise on a wood stake or wire structure. For us, its square inch gardening - so layer your plants low lying under mid-level under tall under vine,” Flores says. “In small gardens, sun is a major factor, so know the hot areas, and get your must-have sun plants on that side and your others in the shade.”
Flores and Englund recommend using raised beds in small garden spaces for vegetables and flowers. Flores says raised gardens mean great soil, less bending over, less weeds and fewer pests. Flores also says vertical gardens can also be a fun option to add to a small outdoor space, but notes that the quality of the system makes a big difference in how it will grow.
“Avoid plants that don’t thrive in this area,” Englund cautions. “I love lilacs, but they need colder weather, so I plant California native Ceanothus instead.”
She says the amount of effort needed to plant a small garden depends upon what is planted. For example, a little jewel box of succulents and annuals needs little water, while tomatoes or lettuce, and most food crops, require quite a bit of water and maintenance to keep pests at bay.
“Densely planted small areas look stunning, but that can result in poor air circulation, which contributes to disease,” she says. “Obviously, check the tag and learn the expected size of the mature plant. That buckwheat sprout in a four-inch pot really will get to six inches across, so make sure it will have room to thrive.”
“Keep it simple — don’t get too many annuals, use drought tolerant plants, remember [to] keep things low close to the
front border and taller in the back of the border,” Flores advises. “Don’t use plants that grow too quickly, it just means more maintenance. Remember that flowers bring pollinators, so if your lettuce, kale or cilantro goes to flower, let it bloom and plant more new plants around it.”
Flores says the benefits of creating and maintaining a small garden are 100-fold.
“It gets you off the couch. It allows you to be outside, learning and exploring. Your appreciation for life, food and your work is understood and enjoyed,” he says.“When they flower or give fruit, it’s so rewarding. But you must make it fun – put some music on, get a pitcher of some drink you like, get yourself a funky garden shirt or vest. Have fun.”
