WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Outdoors => Topic started by: JDRichlen on Aug 19, 21, 03:23:22 AM
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Hey All.
So I got one of those fire abatement letters. The big juniper out front has got to go. This has got me thinking about redoing a lot of the landscaping around the house. I wanted to get some input on what people have growing up here that is well adapted to the summer heat, winter cold, and drought conditions. Let me know what you've had success growing.
I am really interested in an evergreen shrub or bush that can be used as a privacy screen or hedge to replace the old juniper. I have some lilac that does very well, but I am looking for something evergreen to replace the juniper.
I am also interested in fruit trees, berry bushes, grape vines, and the like. I have a few pear trees and an apricot tree that do very well. Looking into apples, cherries, plum, and the like. Of course apple trees do very well here, but is anybody having success with anything else?
Let me know what you have growing. Thanks!
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I have a black thumb, so don't normally answer gardening questions. However, we have three Euronymous behind our house that get next to no care or water and they thrive. The link below shows you the type we have but there are several varieties. They grow from 2-8' tall and can be shapped like a tree or shrub if managed properly. They keep their leaves all year. Good luck!
https://images.app.goo.gl/tvyM2pS2apc8iLaa6
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If you visit Facebook, there is a site on there called "Gardening in Wrightwood." That might give you some information. :)
Personally, I have an apple tree, a pear tree, elderberries, lilacs, currants, butterfly bushes, Oregon grapes, native grapes, and I use native yarrow as a ground cover, as it is fire resistive. I prefer native plants, as they require less watering, and are better for the environment.
(I could go on and on, but, apparently, I already have. ;D )
Check out the "Gardening in Wrightwood" site.
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Unfortunately, I don't have Facebook. That's why I always come to the forum. Those are all excellent suggestions. What are the native grapes your mentioned?
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I don't know how to upload pictures but there is a house on upper Cedar with prunus laurocerasus. You will have to search to see what they look like. Anyway, they seem to stay green all year long. I have a ton of lilacs and fruit trees which help with privacy.
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Lilacs are the way to go in my opinion. Water or no water, they still provide good coverage and privacy.
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I love our Oregon Grape. Green year round, holly-shaped leaves, blooms Feb/Mar in Pinon Hills. The loveliest yellow flower spheres. It's the first to bloom before the spring explosion. We trimmed our Junipers up from the ground. The trunks are beautiful. Really sorry you have to take yours out. Rosemary takes off as a bush. My patch is huge now. Most of our trees besides the Junipers and pines lose their leaves. Happy to share what does well if you don't mind some barren time during winter.
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The Oregon Grape looks really interesting. I have been looking at something similar in the Holly Leaf Cherry. Apparently it is native in southern California and makes a great wildlife plant feeding local birds and butterflies with the blooms and fruits.
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Oregon grape also has medicinal qualities.
https://www.rxlist.com/oregon_grape/supplements.htm