Fertigation: Fertilize and Irrigate in One Step

Fertigation: Fertilize and Irrigate in One Step

Set it, forget it. Give plants the nutrients without all the hassle.

Irrigation in California’s Central Coast is a crucial supplement to little rainfall. For plants and gardens that need more, applying controlled amounts of water also contributes to soil moisture from groundwater.

Fertilization, too, supplements its environment. Plants need a number of chemical elements to grow and thrive, from nitrogen to potassium. Fertilization can help otherwise struggling plants flourish by simply bringing the soil up to their needs.

Fertigation is the combination of both supplements, serving as a nutrient delivery system for landscapes. Fertilizer is delivered in the irrigated water and can use drip irrigation, spray nozzles, or heads.

How We Do It

Madrone Operations Manager Erik Gorham has provided fertigation services for almost a decade. He uses the EZ-FLO products to treat a wide variety of landscape issues. The process is as simple as our trained Madrone team installing a dispensing system in the valve box connected to the main line of a preexisting sprinkler system. “You really can forget about it, because part of our landscape maintenance program includes filling the unit with fertilizer every four to six weeks,” Erik shares.

We use Red Frog Compost Teas as part of our organic fertilizer program. The compost tea improves soil and plant health by improving nutrient availability and retention in the soil. “Biology feeds the plant,” explains Erik. “Typically, what plants need is in the soil. But if your soil is depleted, the worm castings offer an excellent soil amendment that is safe around children and pets.”

Savings on labor and energy costs can quickly offset the initial investment in a fertigation system. A homeowner who lives in an area affected by drought or water restrictions may prefer fertigation because they can better manage the nutrients and water supply going to their landscape—as well as increase water efficiency. It also gives them the ability to add nutrients directly into the root zone that may be otherwise difficult to access.

Erik sees it as an affordable investment to every landscape. “You chose your plants carefully. Help them mature more quickly and stay healthy by using this easy fertilizer system all year round.”

Learn more about our maintenance services. For more details, contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

Our Favorite Winter-hardy Plants

Our Favorite Winter-hardy Plants

Four Winter-hardy Plants for your California Central Coast Landscape

Each native region has unique and beautiful seasonal cycles, with plants that flourish in the cold of winter as others shrink back. These naturally winter-hardy plants keep the surrounding nature looking full and alive. On top of that, they sustain the local fauna, protect the soil, and assist with the overall health of the local region.

As such, it is important to plan each landscape for a full year’s worth of seasons—with the plants that have adjusted to the climate of the region precisely. Native planting is rewarding, colorful, and much easier than trying to support plants not built to weather your region (or worse, taming an invasive plant that weathers the region a little too well). If your landscape doesn’t already account for all four seasons, there’s always time to add them in.

Here are four of our favorite winter plants for California’s central coast:

Nandina “Fire Power”

Nandina is a vibrant evergreen shrub that provides color year-round. In the warmer months, they sport variegated yellows and greens. As autumn catches on and the weather becomes cooler, they take on their fiery red.

A form of bamboo, they thrive on very little care and require no pruning. Once established, they are drought-tolerant as well. As a dwarf cultivar of the heavenly bamboo, its low shrubbery is excellent for small gardens or ground cover.

It should be noted that this plant is toxic to pets.

Arctostaphylos “Howard McMinn”

Arctostaphylos is a low-maintenance, low water-use manzanita shrub. Adapted to drought conditions in the summer, they hold their evergreen leaves perpendicular to the sun to avoid water-loss. Manzanitas are striking year-round thanks to their gorgeous red bark and those peculiar evergreen leaves. In the winter, they show dainty winter blooms that bring a soft delight to the season.

A fruiting shrub, their dry, apple-like fruits are edible to animals, and they are solely pollinated by native bees, supporting the native fauna. The European honey bee is not adapted to pollinate them. Each flower requires “sonification” for its fine pollen to be released from its bell-like flowers. Luckily, the native bees need them too.

Sempervivum “Hens and Chicks”

Sempervivum is a cold-hardy succulent that comes in a variety of colors and can be planted in rocky places with very little soil. It is deer-resistant and an attractant for bees and butterflies when it puts out its rare flowers—with them, though the “hen” dies after flowering, its “chicks” will continue.

These plants prefer cool nights and cold-dormant seasons, both frost-hardy and adapted to flourish in soils and conditions where most plants would die. They multiply plentifully when planted in a spot they love, and their texture and colored trim bring year-long delight.

Combined with their drought-tolerance, they’re perfect for the California Central Coast (and you’ve probably seen them around!). We love the look it creates when you stick them in cracks and crevices of stone walls or walkways.

Rosmarinus officinalis “Irene”

Trailing Rosemary, like manzanitas, is low-maintenance and low water use. When planted on top of retaining walls and allowed to drape over, they add drama to your garden. Their scent and seasonal flowers give them an added edge over some of the other trailing plant materials.

These plants flower in the winter and spring, lending their soft, pale blue or white blossoms to the landscape. It is a natural insect repellent to mosquitoes and other insectoid pests while being a strong attractant for a variety of pollinators. Because of these two factors, it is considered an ideal companion plant. It supports other flowering plants during the winter and acts as a guard to prevent more vulnerable flora and seedlings from cabbage loopers, carrot flies, snails, and more.

A flourishing, sustainable landscape takes into account diverse, eco-friendly flora that support and play well with each other. With native palettes, you know the landscape will be healthy, thriving, and contributing to the surrounding wildlife. Everything flourishes. In Central Coast California, native plants are sustainable, adapted to low-water conditions that mean less water waste and lower utility costs, and easy to care for. They are built to thrive in their climate conditions.

Combined with sustainable planting and maintenance, such as mulching, building with recycled materials, and more, a seasons-balanced landscape will ask very little from you or its surroundings—and give much, bringing joy year-round.

Plan and make space for winter-hardy plants to reap the endless benefits of your native environment.

Interested in a winter garden landscape design? Contact our landscape designers at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

Bunch Grass Cutbacks: How, Why, and When

Bunch Grass Cutbacks: How, Why, and When

Tips for Bunch Grass Cutbacks on California’s Central Coast

Bunch grasses, prevalent in Central Coast California landscapes, offer a striking botanical mix of texture, movement, and vivid color. These perennial grasses, ranging from six inches to eight feet tall, are chosen for their foliage and seed head plumage. In the Central Coast, they typically require a significant annual trim to foster new growth.

Madrone-Landscape-Bunch-Grass

Ideal Timing for Bunch Grass Trimming

The primary goal of cutting back bunch grasses is to stimulate fresh, green growth and to remove dead foliage, enhancing plant health. While some varieties don’t necessitate annual trimming, others thrive with biannual or more frequent cutbacks. The general guideline suggests cutting back after the last hard frost, balancing aesthetics with frost protection. In frost-sensitive species, delay trimming until late winter.

In San Luis Obispo County, we adjust our trimming schedule according to three distinct regions: the beach areas (Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Los Osos, etc.), the coastal valleys (San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Edna, Nipomo, etc.), and the North County (Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Santa Margarita).

Ryan maintains decorative grass
Regional Guidelines for Grass Cutbacks
  • Beach Zones: Start as early as December-January. The mild weather allows for a variety of grasses, like the striking Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum rubrum). Here, the extended growing season offers a more flexible trimming window.
  • Coastal Valleys: February is optimal, with the window extending from January to March. Purple Fountain Grass may wait until March, but most varieties are safe for a February trim.
  • North County: The colder climate, influenced by the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, pushes the trimming window to February-April, with March being ideal. The limited grass variety here still offers a breathtaking seasonal display.

The key is to time your grass cutbacks to enhance both plant health and aesthetics, minimizing the dormant period of the trimmed grass.

Cut-Back-Bunch-Grass-Madrone
How to Execute Bunch Grass Cutbacks

Use sharp tools like shears, pruners, hedgers, or bladed weed whackers for trimming. Cut all blades close to the ground without harming the plant crown. Remove loose debris by hand to prevent rot and promote air circulation. Keep mulch and other materials at least 2 inches away from the grass crown.

Ryan maintains decorative grass

Recommended Pruning Heights

Low(2-4 inches): Suitable for Festuca spp., Carex spp., and similar species.

Medium (4-8 inches): Ideal for Muhlenbergia rigens and dubia, small to medium Miscanthus spp., and others.

High (8-12 inches): Best for larger varieties like Miscanthus spp., Cortaderia spp.

 

Carex divulsa (LOW)

Muhlengergia Rigens (MEDIUM)

Seeking Professional Landscape Maintenance?

If you’re interested in landscape maintenance, including bunch grass cutbacks, contact us at Madrone Landscape. We’re currently accepting maintenance projects starting at $400/month. Reach out through our Maintenance Request Form, email us at [email protected], or call (805) 466-6263.

Vibrant Autumn Landscapes in California’s Central Coast

Vibrant Autumn Landscapes in California’s Central Coast

Autumn Brilliance: Elevate Your Central Coast Landscape with Seasonal Color

 

Embrace the cooler season on the Central Coast with a vibrant autumn landscape. The shift to fall brings a flourish of foliage that turns your garden into a canvas of warm colors. Madrone Landscape specializes in plants that promise a vivid display as the temperatures drop. Let’s explore our top picks that guarantee a vibrant autumn landscape.

 

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)

Thriving in sunny spots, the Chinese Pistache shines with drought-resistant qualities. As temperatures dip, its foliage erupts into a fiery blend of orange and red hues. The tree’s October berries are a gift to the local wildlife, while its balanced, symmetrical form makes for an exquisite focal point in any garden.

 

Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba “Autumn Gold”)

With fan-shaped leaves that turn a luminous yellow, the Ginkgo biloba “Autumn Gold” becomes the highlight of a vibrant autumn landscape. This tree’s golden foliage creates a stunning contrast, especially when paired with the fiery backdrop of other autumnal shades.

 

Bloody Geranium (Geranium sanguineum)

Beyond its vibrant magenta blooms in the warmer months, the Bloody Geranium’s foliage takes on a crimson coloration in fall, living up to its name. Its delightful leaf shape offers a bushy accent or a sprawling ground cover that keeps your garden lively through the seasons.

 

Golden Stonecrop (Sedum reflexum “Angelina”)

This resilient succulent maintains a sunny disposition year-round, which intensifies into a rich gold with the chill of fall. Ideal for rocky soils, Golden Stonecrop is a fuss-free choice that keeps gardens bright and weed-free.

 

Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum “Sango Kaku”)

A twist on the beloved Japanese Maple, the ‘Sango Kaku’ variety captivates with its seasonal transformation. Lime-green leaves yield to golden tones and fall away to unveil a stunning red bark, providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the colder months.

Ready to elevate your landscape with these autumnal beauties? Reach out to our design team at Madrone Landscape at [email protected] or call us at (805) 466-6263 for a consultation. Transform your space into a seasonal spectacle.

Mulch Madness: A Comprehensive Guide to California Landscape Mulching

Mulch Madness: A Comprehensive Guide to California Landscape Mulching

Maximize the Potential of California Landscapes with Mulch

Mulching is a game-changer for California central coast landscapes, offering a multitude of benefits that every gardener and landscaper should take advantage of. From controlling weeds to conserving moisture, mulch is a versatile tool that enhances the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. In this Guide to California Landscape Mulching, we’ll explore the key benefits, various types, and effective methods of using mulch in California landscapes.

Control Weeds and Conserving Moisture

Mulch is a gardener’s best friend when it comes to controlling weeds and retaining moisture. By applying a layer of mulch, you can reduce the growth of unwanted plants, particularly annuals, by up to 90%. This not only keeps your landscape looking pristine but also saves on landscaping labor costs and reduces the need for toxic herbicides.

Moreover, mulch plays a vital role in conserving soil moisture, helping you cut down on irrigation expenses. In regions like San Luis Obispo County, where water conservation is crucial, mulching can significantly reduce the amount of water needed to keep your plants healthy.

Promote Soil Health

Mulching is not just about aesthetics; it also promotes the overall health of your garden. As mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil with essential nutrients, improving its organic matter content and providing a source of sustenance for beneficial organisms. Additionally, mulch reduces soil compaction and insulates plants from extreme temperatures. This insulation effect can lower soil temperatures by up to 10 degrees, which is especially beneficial for young plants and trees.

Reduce Soil Erosion

Erosion is a significant concern, especially on slopes. Mulch acts as a protective barrier that keeps the soil in place during heavy rain and wind, reducing the risk of erosion. By deflecting the impact of raindrops, mulch minimizes stormwater runoff and helps maintain the integrity of nearby creeks and waterways.

Enhance Aesthetics

Beyond its practical benefits, mulch adds a finishing touch to your landscape. A well-maintained mulch layer creates a clean, uniform appearance that ties your garden together. It provides a polished look that complements the natural beauty of your plants and hardscape features.

San Luis Obispo custom residential landscape design build MadroneChoose the Right Mulch Material

When selecting mulch for your California landscape, consider the style and design of your garden. While bark and wood products are common choices on the Central Coast, there are various other options to explore. These include stone, such as colorful rocks and gravel, as well as sheet mulching using materials like newspapers, cardboard, and plastic sheeting.

Recycled organic mulches, such as wood chips, compost, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings, are eco-friendly choices that reduce the need for long-distance shipping. Using mulch from local tree trimming operations is not only sustainable but also contributes to maintaining the usefulness of these by-products.

Consider Fire Safety

In many coastal California communities, wildfire safety is a paramount concern. It’s essential to be mindful of the combustibility of organic mulch. Research conducted at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has shown variability in mulch type combustibility. To reduce wildfire danger, it’s recommended not to use any organic mulch within five feet of homes located in wildfire-prone areas.

Determine the Right Amount of Mulch

To maintain the benefits of mulch, aim for a 2- to 4-inch layer in your planting areas. Regularly inspect and refresh mulched areas as needed. Keep mulch at least two to three inches away from plant stems and trunks to prevent moisture-related issues. For trees in lawns, create a mulch circle around the base, with a diameter of about 2 feet for each inch of trunk diameter.

Embrace the Power of Mulch

Mulching is a versatile and cost-effective practice that enhances the beauty and health of California landscapes. It saves time and money, promotes soil health, prevents erosion, and adds a finishing touch to your outdoor spaces. Make the most of mulch to create thriving, sustainable gardens that are both visually appealing and environmentally responsible.

If you have any questions about our mulching services or want to learn more about our maintenance program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

Your Ideal Landscape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Ideal Landscape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plants breathe life into gardens, offering seasonal dynamism. During the spring, radiant flowers blossom, and deciduous trees flaunt lush foliage, only to become stark in winter. This landscape design guide will help you factor in these seasonal shifts for a well-thought-out strategy that beautifully balances the ever-changing nature of plant life.

However, lasting elements like hardscape materials (think concrete, stone), outdoor furniture, pergolas, fire pits, and water features provide a constant backdrop. When harmonized with seasonal plantings, these elements impart a unique ambiance throughout the year.

Wondering how to transition from a bland lawn with deteriorating surroundings to a dream garden space? This landscape design guide will help you.

The initial steps are straightforward; but as you proceed, expertise in design becomes essential. A landscape designer will greatly benefit from your preliminary research and ideas. Investing time in understanding and pinpointing your preferred landscaping styles will refine your design aspirations.

Discover Local Landscaping Styles

Embark on a neighborhood stroll. Bring along a companion to evaluate various landscape styles. Discuss the highs and lows of each design, noting standout plants and materials. Equip yourself with a notebook for jotting points and a smartphone for capturing images. Don’t restrict your exploration to just your immediate neighborhood. Venture further to discover unique architectural and landscape inspirations.

Madrone North County Native Natural Landscape

Gather Digital Inspiration

Following your local exploration, dive into the vast digital world. Platforms like Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, and HGTV are treasure troves for landscaping ideas. Tailor your online search for region-specific inspirations like California or Mediterranean landscapes, emphasizing drought-resistant or native plants. Familiarize yourself with terms like “xeric” or “ornamental grass” to better communicate with industry professionals.

Craft a Materials Palette

With a collection of inspiration at hand, start categorizing. Separate your finds into:

Character: Character photos contain a mix of elements, including furniture, architecture, vegetation, and landscape. These images are often broad angles and represent a particular style or sense of place.

Hardscape: Hardscape is the structure and backbone of a site—walls, flatwork, fountains, walkways, boulders, rock mulch—anything that is installed once and stays put. Hardscape elements are typically the biggest-ticket items, consistent throughout all seasons, and relate closely to building layout and materials.

Plant Palette: Plants breathe life into a space—yet come with a unique set of opportunities and strengths; not the least of which is need for the proper combination of sun, soil, and water. Taking plant inspiration from the neighborhood is often one of the best ways to find climate-appropriate plant selections. Even so, the microclimates within your property (particularly sun and wind exposure) may differ and affect plant viability. A palette based on the desired look can be combined with some horticultural know-how to develop a specific plant list.

Transition to Professional Collaboration

Having established your materials palette, you’ve laid a solid foundation for your landscape’s transformation. This groundwork has set the stage for the next pivotal phase. While it’s empowering to spearhead the initial steps on your own, partnering with a professional will ensure the fruition of your vision. From this point on, the subsequent steps will be a collaborative effort, where you and the landscape expert work hand in hand. Their expertise will be invaluable in bringing your landscaping dream to life, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

Madrone Landscape Design Concept Drawing Plan

Develop a Conceptual Plan

Begin the design phase with a precise base map. This should encompass utility locations, existing greenery, and structural details. If unsure, consider hiring expert help. Concept plans broadly represent proposed changes, highlighting primary features.

Sketch Ground-Level Views

Vignettes or sketched views offer a ground-level perspective of your landscape. They provide a tangible feel of the space, supplementing your concept plan. Employ tools like Adobe Photoshop for digital sketches or stick to hand-drawn illustrations.

Delve into 3D Modeling

3D modeling tools, such as Google Sketchup, can elevate your design visualization. With an accurate base map, these tools help in plotting out your envisioned space in three dimensions.

Madrone Arroyo Grande 3D Landscape Design Render

 

Bring Your Design to Life with Rendering

Photorealistic rendering tools like Lumion offer a tangible glimpse of the potential landscape. By blending 3D models with realistic textures and elements, you get a vivid visualization of your dream garden.

Not everyone might find all steps achievable. But even accomplishing the initial stages can significantly assist landscape designers in realizing your dream. From plan drawings to advanced visualization tools, every stage plays a crucial role in materializing the perfect landscape for you.

Contact Us for an Ideal Landscape

Ready to bring your landscaping vision to life? Connect with our landscape design team today and let’s craft your dream garden together! Reach out at [email protected] or call (805) 466-6263.