Posted on March 20, 2014

After much researching and pondering on what I am to plant in my “exclusive use common area front landscaping” (that is what my front yard is called here in this townhome community), I have finally arrived on what the plan will be. I searched and made sure that the planting materials would adhere to our HOA’s planting rules. That means I could only choose from a list of recommended fire resistant plant materials. But I went a bit further. I also researched what plants are safe for kitties. I did not want to plant anything kitty toxic in my garden.

I also wanted to plant something that was native to the area I live in. I also had to make sure I was in the right growing zone. I also wanted the planting material to be drought tolerant. Well, after all this time, I have realized that it is not easy to find something that fits all of these categories. There are so many plants that are not supposed to be in California! There are so many plants that are not safe. There are so many plants that will not grow well here. Some of them are listed on this recommended plant list. But I narrowed it down. I wanted a low maintenance type of plant that was attractive and colorful and had a wonderful fragrance. In other words, I wanted the garden to please all of my senses. That is making this garden planning fun and creative.

I was able to find the right plant. It is called salvia sonomensis or creeping sage. It is a native plant here in Northern California. It is a very drought tolerant plant too. It has a beautiful purple color and  a wonderful fragrance too. It is safe for my kitty and will add beautiful color to my front exclusive use common area landscaping.

And I am sure my salvias will grow. I was assured of that by someone from the nursery I will be ordering from. It was fun to do this planning activity. I had so many categories to work on so that I could make the right choice. It was a thoughtful undertaking. Healer’s Garden will be growing very well this year. Below is a picture of salvia sonomensis, the official plant of my Healer’s Garden.

Hope you have some fun in planning your garden. Be thoughtful and caring and make it fun and creative. It is more real that way and more enjoyable for all. Happy Spring!