Tips From the Four Seasons Garden Club for Foothill Gardening

 

 

The foothill communities are fortunate to have a thriving garden club to help us in our drought ridden, fire prone environment.  We do need to be brushing a hundred feet from structures, but that doesn’t mean it has to be bare earth ugly.  Landscaping can be beautiful, drought tolerant and fire resistant with a little forethought and planning.  The Four Seasons Garden Club would like to offer information, advice, and a plant sale to help you make choices that improve the landscape both aesthetically and environmentally.  The following are a few tips from their president, Jean Onyschuk, as well as information on the October 7th activities leading up to the Peddler’s Faire and plant sale.  Read, learn and enjoy!

Gardening in the Foothills of the Sierra Mountains (Squaw Valley, Dunlap, Miramonte) 

What kind of yard do you want?

Do you want it to look like an English Garden which is well manicured?

Or do you want a garden that goes with the natural landscape, water, and temperature? 

Going with the later makes it easier on you and the land and helps our birds, butterflies, bees and wildlife. 

#1 Native Plants are the best because they are adapted to the area. 

#2 No grass because it requires a large amount of water and regular mowing. It doesn't do anything for the environment. 

#3 Plant trees native to the area if possible. 

#4 As little pesticides as possible. If you must spray do it before March using Roundup and Pre-emergent . In fall spray

Pre-­emergent in October before first rainfall. If it rains before you use Pre-emergent and weeds start to grow, use Roundup at this time also.