Calabasas is a diverse area that spans the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, and a number of factors can dictate the success or failure of a native landscaping Calabasas project. One of the most important considerations is the local microclimates of a given parcel, which dictate which California natives are suitable for that particular location. A parcel within walking distance of the canyons of Old Topanga will behave differently than one on an open hillside near Mureau Road, and native landscaping Calabasas projects call for careful analysis and planning in order to achieve a mature, healthy garden that fits the needs of the parcel.

Why microclimates matter more than the regional climate zone.

Plant hardiness zone maps are a useful starting point. Still, a parcel can host a number of different microclimates, and planning a garden with only the hardiness zone in mind can lead to disappointment. Microclimates can be found in pockets on a parcel, such as a shady, mossy area near large trees or an open, sun-drenched hillside that faces west and is prone to afternoon baking. Another microclimate might be a low-lying area where water tends to pool during the rainy season. Only by studying these variations can a designer choose plants that thrive in these areas.

The oak woodland factor.

Many parcels in Calabasas are characterized by this particular habitat type, and careful planning is required when landscaping a parcel that includes one or more coast live oaks. These trees are very sensitive to irrigation practices and should never be watered in summer or have their root systems disturbed, as this can kill a tree that has stood for a century within a matter of years. An experienced designer will take these considerations into account when planning irrigation and hardscape features that might interfere with the root system of an established oak.

Choosing the right palette of California natives.

California natives offer a wide variety of plant life, and choosing which plants to use is a critical step in any project. For a sunny, exposed parcel, shorter plants such as buckwheat, white sage, and manzanita can be excellent choices that allow for a mature, healthy garden while attracting pollinators to the parcel, which is an important consideration for an isolated canyon community. Shade-tolerant natives such as toyon, coffeeberry, and native currants can be used beneath the dappled shade of a coast live oak, while deergrass and other moisture-tolerant natives can be used along a drainage swale.

Fire-wise considerations.

With Calabasas sitting within a high fire-hazard severity zone, fire-wise landscaping is an important consideration for any native landscaping project. A well-planned, fire-wise design will incorporate California natives into the design, because many of these plants are ideally suited to the local climate and, with proper spacing and maintenance, will provide excellent defensible space around a structure.

Soil and irrigation considerations.

The soil composition of a parcel can greatly affect which California natives will thrive there and how much irrigation will be needed. A designer who understands native landscaping will typically recommend a soil analysis before finalizing a planting list and will also recommend separate irrigation zones for different areas of the parcel based on their individual needs.

Working with, not against, the existing landscape.

One of the advantages of hiring an experienced designer is that they will work with the existing landscape to achieve the desired effect and won’t unnecessarily remove established vegetation such as mature trees to replace it with an entirely new planting plan. This saves both time and money while also having a positive impact on the local environment.

Long-term water savings that actually materialize.

Many native landscaping projects are touted as having incredible water savings, but these savings only appear if native plants are properly placed in relation to their climate needs.

Seasonal timing is as important as plant choice.

Timing can be as important as plant choice in some cases, since native plants perform best when installed during the right season. Fall and early winter installations tend to be most successful due to the rainy season, since young plants have the benefit of naturally occurring rain rather than relying solely on irrigation.

The value of a phased approach on larger properties.

Large parcels can benefit from a phased approach to landscaping, allowing the homeowner to work within a budget rather than trying to finance an entire project at once. Exposed parcels with more water needs are often prioritized in a phased project, as they provide the least amount of benefit to the local ecology if left as is. Mature plantings near a structure might be saved for a later phase after more planning can be done.

Wildlife and habitat considerations.

California native landscaping provides the triple benefit of conserving water, providing excellent habitat for native wildlife such as pollinators, birds, and local fauna, and helping to maintain the delicate local ecology upon which all life in the greater Los Angeles area depends. With the right selection of plants, a native landscaping project can act as a refuge for these creatures, who rely on the plants for food and shelter.

Final Words

For homeowners looking to undertake a sustainable landscaping project that takes advantage of native plants suited to their parcel’s unique microclimates, working with an experienced designer makes all the difference in achieving the desired effect. Pristine Gardenscape has spent years studying the ecology of the native flora in the canyons and foothills of Calabasas, and we apply our knowledge to every project in order to help homeowners achieve their landscaping goals.