As Fall is quickly approaching and the weather begins to cool off, there are many things you can do to ensure the health of your garden and landscape in Southern California this Fall.
Fall Mulching
Not only does mulching add a protective layer to help the quality of soil, it also protects your plants against weather conditions. As the weather begins to cool down, it is important that your plants are prepared for the cooler temperatures.
Check Irrigation Systems
With temperatures going down, and the weather not being scorching hot any longer, you may want to check your irrigation system. Not only will this prevent overwatering, but it will also help you save money in the coming, cooler months. Pacific Vista Landscape Services is happy to help you with your irrigation needs. Contact us today!
Harvesting
For those who plant vegetables, fall means harvest season! Harvest season runs from late September to December, but it is never too early in the Fall to prepare. Now is the time to start researching when the best time to harvest your vegetables is, as each is different from the next. It is also the time to buy the tools you need to harvest. This includes pruning shears, scissors, and gloves.
Yard Clean up
Fall is a great time to start pulling your annuals and collecting fallen leaves. You can use your annuals and leaves to create compost for the next season and add it as a layer of supplemental food to next year's plants. They will love it! It's also important to clean up those piles of debris in your yard, especially ones with fruits and vegetables. Leaving these piles out can attract harmful pests to your precious garden.
About Pacific Vista Landscape Services
Established in 1988, Pacific Vista Landscape Services manages every aspect of landscaping maintenance and design.
For more information contact us at:
661-222-7525
22777 Lyons Avenue, Suite 212 Santa Clarita, CA., 91321, USA
If there is one thing most people can agree on, it’s that mosquitos and mosquito bites are annoying. Thankfully, there are many wonderful plants we can surround our yards and gardens with to naturally help prevent these pests.
Plants such as lavender, catmint, peppermint, and marigold all contain strong odors which may smell amazing to humans, but that mosquitos hate. All these plants do amazing in the Southern California climate due to their need for full sun and moderate watering. Another upside of these plants is that they are all perennials! While some marigolds are annuals, there are other types that come back every year and still repel mosquitos, such as the Mexican marigold which boasts beautiful, vibrant summer colors.
If you love planting your own herbs and vegetables, basil and garlic are perfect for you and mosquito repelling, once again due to their fragrance. Both plants do amazing in full sun and can come back every year if properly managed. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is what gives garlic its strong odor. This smell may confuse mosquitos and ward them off from biting you!
Not only do all these plants repel mosquitos naturally, but they can also liven up your yard or garden with their scents and colors. There is also no need to worry about where your helpful bees and butterflies will go once you add these plants to your home. While mosquitos detest these plants, butterflies, and bees, helpful garden insects, are still very much attracted to them.
From the beautiful colors of marigolds and lavender to the fresh smell of basil and peppermint, these plants have many great features whilst ridding of those biting pests.
About Pacific Vista Landscape Services
Established in 1988, Pacific Vista Landscape Services manages every aspect of landscaping maintenance and design. For more information contact us at:
661-222-7525
22777 Lyons Avenue, Suite 212 Santa Clarita, CA., 91321, USA
As we enter August in Southern California, where the weather is hottest at this point of the year, it is essential to choose heat-resistant flowers that can thrive in these conditions. Heat-resistant flowers tolerate high temperatures, intense sunlight, and limited water availability. Here are some popular heat-resistant flowers that can flourish in Southern California:
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea, which can be found all over our beautiful state, is a vibrant flowering plant known for its colorful bracts. They are highly heat-tolerant and drought-resistant once established. Bougainvillea comes in various colors and can be grown anywhere from on fences to walls. This plant is perfect for California as it likes to be kept dry, making it the perfect garden adornment for the ongoing drought.
Lantana
Lantana is a great choice for hot climates due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions. This low-maintenance flower enjoys full sun and is available in various colors like pink and yellow. Its tiny flowers attract butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden if you love your insect friends.
Portulaca
Also known as moss rose, Portulaca is an annual, low-growing succulent with colorful flowers that bloom in full sun. It's an excellent option for hot, dry areas as they dislike too much water and look fantastic as ground cover or to surround your fencing and house with.
Zinnia
Zinnias are easy-to-grow annuals that come in a variety of colors and sizes. Colors include red, orange, purple, yellow, and white. They are heat-tolerant and can add a vibrance of color to your garden throughout the summer. These flowers like
upkeep, so it’s important to be sure to deadhead the old flowers to stimulate the growth of new ones.
When planting heat-resistant flowers in Southern California, it is essential to prepare the soil with organic matter to improve water retention and drainage. Additionally, mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture and keep the soil cool during hot, dry periods. While all these plants are heat resistant, it’s important to do your research on how much water each one needs. Over-watering your plants can be a waste and may also kill your garden.
About Pacific Vista Landscape Services
Established in 1988, Pacific Vista Landscape Services manages every aspect of landscaping maintenance and design. For more information contact us at:
661-222-7525
22777 Lyons Avenue, Suite 212 Santa Clarita, CA., 91321, USA