Need advice and suggestions on what to do with this space.

[beavis]

Hi all,

Looking for inspiration for this segment of my property.....


The facts:

Southern California location

Northern Exposure, but pretty much complete sunlight in the Summer, about 50% in the Winter.

Zone 9b

Abuts large porch area.

Mixture of lawn and perennials. lawns going to do away with a rototiller.

Here are some images of the area:

Looking East along the length:

Next three images face North from left to right

 

[Natalie]

Oooh! Blank slate! Looks like it's flat up to those yellow flowers before the little shrubs. Keep in mind that I have absolutely NO idea what grows in your zone. I would be inclined to put in a little more lawn off the patio to just before the decline. Beyond the lawn I'd terrace the hill and put lots and lots of perennials with little steps and bird baths. Maybe a windy path leading to the terraced area. And taller shrubs along the fence.

Yikes, that's a big plan.

 

[beavis]

Well, I have an acre and a half, so its but a little chuck of all the land I have.

So much land and projects, it can be quite daunting.

The plan is for no lawn whatsoever, we are in drought conditions here, so I want to stick to perennials, herbs, perhaps veggies, even though I have numerous veggie beds in place in other locations. The slope is pretty much usleless for gardening, I want to focus primarily on the flat section.

Meandering paths sounds like a plan.

 

[Natalie]

Ah! I imagine that would be why half the grass is dead!

 

[beavis]

Ah! I imagine that would be why half the grass is dead!

Indeed! LAwns don't cut it down here unless you are willing to pour a lot of water on them

 

[cookiesdaddy]

Beavis are you trying to make us jealous?

 

[wifezilla]

Perennial herbs with pea gravel paths

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I agree, you should do a herb and drought-tolerant flower garden. I have started a similar project. Space for paths and/or chairs and a table would be nice too. My plan in my own garden was to include drought tolerant flowers that attract butterflies and bees. You might consider adding a row of butterfly bushes (or some other shrub that you like) all along that fence to screen that from view. It looks like you could do just about anything in that space. Have fun and keep us posted!

 

[beavis]

I think those suggestions are all good! Perennials, paths, perhaps seating area, definately to attract butterflies and birds. My yard is alread a Monarch butterfly sanctuary so it will only enhance that aspect

So work begins:

GOODBYE LAWN!

I do have one existing butterfly bush that was planted most likely by the birds, it has grown quite large, but in a great spot:

 

[DrakeMaiden]

FYI (not sure if you already know this or not), you can prune those butterfly bushes back to 6" every spring and they will grow back to about 6' or so, but it will keep them in-check. My mom has some that she was afraid to prune and they are probably over 10' tall and very out of control. I think a yearly shearing is best, and I am not really a hard core pruning type of person.

If that butterfly bush was a volunteer, it will probably seed freely in your yard. Which may or may not be a good thing.

ETA: I'm never sorry to see a lawn removed. I think your plans will make a huge improvement!