Coastal Plants of Sea Ranch, California

Last weekend, we went to Sea Ranch and hiked across the coastal bluffs. It was a symphony of golden grasses, wild flowers, and broad leaf shrubs - all popping off a backdrop of dark green cypress trees and weathered wood houses. I thought of the teachings of Piet Oudolf and John Greenley, and loved this deeply contextual example of their ideas at work.

Please excuse the lack of scientific accuracy. I won't try to identify all these plants, but just call out their aesthetic characteristics. The intention here is to eventually find similar plants in cultivation, that could achieve a similar effect, in combination.

A) Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) - This provides wind protection and much needed dark green to make gold, silver and green elements pop.
B) Rhamnus californica - These bright green round mounds stand out amongst the vertical golden grasses. And, they bridge the height difference between the trees and the grassy plains.
C) Lupinus arboreus - How wonderful these were! Their silvery foliage, and their bright yellow flowers provide a great contrast and offer graphic interest close up.
D) Heracleum lanatum (Cow Parsnip)  - At eye-level, these made the biggest statements in the landscape. Their broad leaves look incredible next to golden grasses, and low small-leaved shrubs - especially along pathways. And the shape of their flowers provide additional visual interest. And, they are available at Annie's Annuals!
E) Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens (perhaps) - These green feathery ferns mix with the golden grasses in huge intermingled swaths. Does this indicate the presence of water?
F) Holcus lanatus and Elymus glaucus (perhaps) - Wheat-like pinkish grasses mix with tail-like golden grasses, forming a tonal textural tapestry.
G) Pink Penstemons or Salvias - Not sure which one these are, but their broad green leaves and pink flower stalks were found nestled in low grasses and ferns.
H) These green fuzzy sage-like plants co-mingle with golden grasses and Rhamnus, along the pathway.
I) Achillea millefolium - The interesting flower structure and white coloring peek out among the grasses.
J) Here, Achillea mixes with green broad leafed plants and lower bunchier grasses.
K) Thistle - Co-mingling with Rhamnus and a softer, luminous grass. Together, they were heavenly!
I) Pine - I found this guy a little further inland, closer to the Cypress trees and other piney family members.

I loved the dance of similarity vs contrast. Many times, two plants would be in stark contrast, with one additional plant, bridging the gap with similar color and/or form. Stay tuned for suggestions of cultivated counterparts and combinations.

Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet'

Here's a bronze/green plant palette for Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet' (B). Together, it makes for a tidy, full sun, low water, low maintenance garden. 

Shown above are A) Phormium 'Bronze Baby,' C) Sesleria autumnalis, D) Laurus nobilis 'MonRik,' E) Quercus rubra and F) Carex pansa. While silver isn't shown here, it can be introduced into this palette with plants like Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' and Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'.

Arctostaphylos Groundcovers

I haven't yet fully grasped the difference between the Arctostaphylos groundcovers. There are 4 (if not more) in wide use, and I know they differ in coloring as well as size. Finally, I'm gonna sort it out for myself.

From lowest to highest:

A) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Compact' (2-3" H X 3-4' W)
The lowest of the groundcovers. Unlike the others, which are roughly 1' high, 'Wood's Compact' is really low at only 2-3". This seems ridiculously low... but I'm sure that there are some instances where something this low is needed... perhaps in between pavers or playing a secondary role to statement succulents and shrubs.

B) Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet' (<1' x 3-5' W)
This is definitely greener, so it is aptly named. It would go well in a drought-tolerant garden with a lusher look. This would look great in a plant palette with other lime greens, silvers, dark greens and bronzes.

C) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Point Reyes' (1' H x 15' W)
This one has a wonderful gray-green olive color... and can go well in a large, full sun, dry, sprawling California garden, where a lot of coverage is good. This beauty can go 15' wide, so it certainly isn't for the typical residential garden. But, it would be great for commercial or public landscapes.

D) Arctostaphylos edmundsii 'Carmel Sur' (1-2' H x 6' W)
The highest of these groundcovers, this minty-green beauty can grow up to 2' high. I think this is perhaps my favorite of these groundcovers... it's higher than the rest, but still compact in width, and has a great blue-green coloring that pairs nicely with gray-green and blue-green plants.

Tree #10) Arbutus unedo

A few weekends ago I discovered the beautiful Glen Oaks, a motor lodge in Big Sur. As usual, what drew me in was the landscape design, and specifically the large Arbutus unedo's that could be spotted from the road. We pulled over and I went in for closer inspection. Two (or was it three?) mature and well-pruned Arbutus were clustered in the entry. They were a part of a larger cohesive planting palette, held together by a red-green color scheme. Incidentally, this scheme was also echoed throughout the experience, including signage, architectural materials and interior design. These people weren't messing around.

In addition to the Arbutus unedo, red-green plants included Achillea millefolium (B), Leucodendron 'Safari Sunset' (B), Myrica californica (C), Berberis 'Green Spire' (C) and Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n Gold' (D). These bold choices were tempered by the soothing neutral effects of Lomandra 'Breeze' (C) and Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (top image, left side).

A planting design like this reminds me to keep the palette clear and focused. The viewer should be able to 'sense' what the theme is, even if they aren't able to articulate it. And, it should be immediate. Clear, uncluttered, and cohesive.

Details:
Botanical Name: Arbutus unedo
Common Name: Dwarf Strawberry Tree
Family: Ericaceae
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Fall to Late Winter
Height: 20-30’
Width: 15-40’
Availability: San Marcos Growers

Tree #9) Quercus palustris

I see Quercus palustris used as a street tree throughout Berkeley and Emeryville. It's no wonder because it is extremely tolerant of dry and wet conditions, most diseases, and urban pollution. On those qualities alone, it is extremely useful to the landscape designer. But, it is equally as attractive. With its beautifully lobed leaves, pyramidal shape, and seasonal interest, it is another no-brainer. (Planted in a swale in mostly dry/sometimes wet California seems to make particular sense.)

Interestingly, it also has a fastigiate cultivar, 'Green Spire'. It's quite beautiful, in a grid formation, paired with red grasses (below).

Details:
Botanical Name: Quercus palustris
Common Name: Pin Oak
Family: Fagaceae
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Medium Water Needs
Flower Time: April
Height: 60-70’
Width: 25-40’
Availability: J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Tree #8) Garrya elliptica

Drawn to its weeping form and romantic feeling, I'd love to see Garrya elliptica used in a modern context (e.g. accompanying the form and materials of modern architecture, such as concrete, steel and glass). I think it would be so interesting and unexpected... for example, softening the brutality of a huge mass of concrete. It has a similar feeling as the overused Wisteria, and would look amazing as espalier or draped over a steel arbor structure.

Below, I've paired Garrya elliptica (A) with some possible textural compliments, extending the concept of softness and romance throughout. I've been trying to incorporate more contrast into my palettes too, so there is also the requisite dark green and silver. Pairings include B) Calocedrus decurrens, C) Salvia apiana, D) Laurus nobilis, E) Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' and F) Rubus pentalobus. Not complete, but its the start of something interesting. Now, if I could only build the architecture! Something between modern architecture and roman ruins...

Of note, Garrya elliptica has low water requirements, and can take sun or shade - amazing!

Details:
Botanical Name: Garrya elliptica 'Evie'
Common Name: Evie's Silk Tassel Bush
Family: Garryaceae
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Irrigation: Low Water Needs, no summer water
Flower Time: Winter/Spring
Height: 8-12’
Width: 8-12’
Availability: San Marcos Growers

Tree #7) Prunus caroliniana

At a private residence in San Francisco, Ron Lutsko uses Prunus caroliniana as the backbone of the garden. Contained by steel, it is hedged into walls that enclose outdoor rooms.

Prunus caroliniana is tall enough to provide a solid privacy barrier and its dense foliage makes it well-suited as a wind, noise and visual screen. It is also very adaptable to shearing. It has a bright and clean appearance and unobtrusive white flowers. For all these reasons, this plant is a no-brainer for the modern garden.

Details:
Botanical Name: Prunus caroliniana 'Monus'
Common Name: Bright 'N Tight™ Carolina Laurel
Family: Rosaceae
Exposure: Partial to full sun
Irrigation: Medium Water Needs
Flower Time: Spring
Height: 8-10’
Width: 6-8’
Availability: Monrovia