The Drought Is Making Small Space Gardening More Popular In SoCal

While most Angelenos are not experiencing the devastating effects of the longest drought in California history that many in the Central and Northern regions are, we still need to be as water-wise as possible. I have seen a definite change in the way people have reconfigured their grass lawns by removing turf and planting native California vegetation and drought-resistant plants. Some have created more patio space or used rocks, tile and other materials to get creative. And a big trend now seems to be home owners or condo dwellers with limited outdoor space creating imaginative and beautiful small garden spaces.

If you are looking to create a productive fruit and vegetable garden, there seem to be an unlimited amount of resources on the internet that provide "how-to" ideas, pictures, garden show schedules, budgeting tips, etc. Some of the best that I have found are the Lowe's Southern California Gardening site, the Learn2Grow site and this Sunset Magazine link. Even with limited space you can grow everything from tomatoes and lettuce to carrots and celery to sugar peas and Swiss chard. Plot out a 100 square foot area (even if it’s along a fence, wall, walk or driveway), pick a spot that gets plenty of Winter sun but also a good amount of Summer shade and plan to have a mix of organic soil and fertilizer at least 6 inches thick.  Besides being a great way to have healthy, super fresh fruits and vegetables, small gardens are great way to save money since with just $10 you can buy several packages of seed.

If you are looking for more of a decorative garden to show off your creative skills, this Los Angeles Times link has some inventive suggestions. There is such a great variety of native California plants that require little water that even a small garden can offer endless arrangements and designs. Incorporating rock gardens into the landscape of smaller yards is a big trend now and this Houzz link offers some ideas for that approach. This Decoist link offers ways to make your balcony feel like a garden space if you don't have a yard at all, and the California Native Plant Society gives tips for patio gardens on this link. 

Most of all, whether for growing food or just for show, a well maintained, interesting small space garden can make for a great hobby as well as adding value to your residence. A few diverse examples are shown below.