Fairy Yardmother Landscape Design

by Kathy Oberg, Landscape Designer, Central Coast CA.
FairyYardmother[at]gmail[dot]com

Thank you for visiting my site. I enjoy bringing you pictures of gardens, plants, and ideas from sunny California. I love sharing after-photos that show how my landscape plans, plant lists and layouts come to life.
As a designer, I use plants to create drama, provide color and form, and compliment the architectural style of your home.
I strive to provide a buffer from sun, street, and neighbors while still fostering connections.
Inspired plant choices and site layout can make any space a success.
I am a Certified Watershed Wise Professional, with techniques to improve soil health and keep more water on your property.
I can help you makeover your patio, paths, planting areas, or entire property. I will consult with you, choose a look you love, and compose a plan and plant list to update your landscape, re-using what you already have wherever we can.
Each project is different because it is about making your space really shine.


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Grass-like Ground Covers

Mondo grass and Lilyturf (also below)
A recent trip to the Getty Center in Los Angeles had me examining ground covers. Here are some examples of plants that can cover the soil under trees, on slopes, and along walkways or swaths of grass -- most of them will not handle foot traffic, but they are wonderful for creating lushness and texture, while preserving a view. They take much less maintenance than traditional lawn grass.



Love the contrasting colors

Society Garlic carpets a slope under Crape Myrtles (not so good near primary sitting areas because it gives off an odor). I love the texture and color here. The garlic creates waves of softness and picks up the gray of the tree trunks.

Deer Grass and Dymondia border turf grass. Interesting use of Dymondia. There's a bit of tension between the greens and grays here, but I like it.

3 comments:

  1. I love the name of your blog! Alternative lawns are also a passion of mine and these are all beautiful and tidy enough to seduce even the hardest turf purist. Nice photos!

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  2. Lovely selections, I particularity like the Society Garlic carpet under the Crape Myrtles.

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  3. Thank you! Aren't the textures wonderful.

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