Fairy Yardmother Landscape Design: Salvias

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.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Salvias

Salvia Waverly

Salvia Clevelandii

Salvias are the greatest plants. There are a million different kinds, and many of them flower most of the year in SoCal. They need to be cut back just once or twice a year. They are drought-tolerant, and they attract loads of hummingbirds and bumblebees.

The only thing some people might not like about them is they are a bit wild and messy looking, and some grow quite large -- 5 foot by 5 foot or so.

Some of my favorites include:

Salvia Greggii

Salvia clevelandii

Salvia leucantha

Salvia microphylla "Hot Lips"

Salvia officinalis

I've noticed that the bumblebees seem to cut into the flower where it's connected to the stem -- I'll try to get a picture some time!

Fairy Yardmother Landscape Design