Rocks!

[sunnyskywalker]

My front yard came covered in a thick layer of pea gravel over three different types of weed fabric, two of them such thick plastic that water probably can't get through anywhere but under the seams. This did absolutely nothing to prevent weeds, but did make it harder to plant anything I wanted in the ground. It also got baking hot in the sun, especially since it's a south-facing slope. I'd made a start shoveling patches several feet square and dumping them on a tarp in my side yard, removing the weed fabric and covering the cleared patches with bark, and planting native plants which should only need watering about every three weeks once they're established. But what do you do with literal tons of rocks?

Well. It turns out my parents' friends have a long, muddy driveway in need of free rocks! After several weeks of drizzle, cars were getting stuck in the mud. Winters here usually do see long stretches of drizzle, so it couldn't go on like that. How fortunate that we had complementary problems!

Between five people over two days (except I was working the first day and couldn't join the retirees), we have shifted about 2.5 tons of pea gravel. One more trailer load ought to finish it off. Or well enough, anyway; there are handfuls of scattered rocks still, but that's fine--native plants here like a bit of gravel well enough. Soon I'll be able to bring in bark for a softer covering which will gradually improve the soil and won't roast us or the roots of plants I like in the sun. Wheelbarrows full of bark are also much lighter than gravel, needless to say, so that job should feel easy by comparison!

Then it will be time for the springtime native plant sales--the fun part! This season's handful of plants will probably go toward filling in around the new little western redbud tree I planted in fall. This will provide a few more big cobbles, since the entire neighborhood is built over a layer of river cobbles from old mine dredgings, and I can add a few more feet to the path borders in progress.

All in all, a good start to the new year!

Now there's just the equally-large amount of rock in the back yard...the slightly larger, more angular rock that locks together, making it vastly harder to shovel up...

Comments

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> My front yard came covered in a thick layer of pea gravel over three different types of weed fabric, two of them such thick plastic that water probably can't get through anywhere but under the seams. <<

O_O How awful!

>>It turns out my parents' friends have a long, muddy driveway in need of free rocks! After several weeks of drizzle, cars were getting stuck in the mud. Winters here usually do see long stretches of drizzle, so it couldn't go on like that. How fortunate that we had complementary problems!<<

I love it when that happens. :D

>>Soon I'll be able to bring in bark for a softer covering which will gradually improve the soil and won't roast us or the roots of plants I like in the sun.<<

You might check the soil. After that much abuse, it's likely poor in organisms, nutrients, etc. A bit of compost might give it a boost, in small amounts if the local soil leans rocky.

>> Then it will be time for the springtime native plant sales--the fun part! <<

*glee*

I've been browsing plant catalogs.

>> This season's handful of plants will probably go toward filling in around the new little western redbud tree I planted in fall. <<

This page has a grid for permaculture guilds, several with redbud as the understory tree. Just find those entries and look right for some smaller plants that should do well under a redbud.

>> This will provide a few more big cobbles, since the entire neighborhood is built over a layer of river cobbles from old mine dredgings, and I can add a few more feet to the path borders in progress.<<

Wow. I use big river cobbles to edge one of my gardens, but I buy them.

>>Now there's just the equally-large amount of rock in the back yard...the slightly larger, more angular rock that locks together, making it vastly harder to shovel up.<<

I've seen people use pickaxes for that, but it seems inefficient. Maybe see if there's a tool to rent, or hire someone to break it up with one?

I hope you have fun with spring planting.

Re: Thoughts

[sunnyskywalker]

Oh, the backyard rocks are still small enough and not locked together enough for a pickax to be of any use, sadly. You can get a few at a time up with a pointy shovel, but it's ridiculously more difficult than it should be. The weed fabric in this patch is the fabric-y kind that tears easily, so you can't lift an edge and dump them into a pile very easily either. So far the easiest and fastest way I've found is picking them up by hand. Which is exactly as slow as it sounds.

The soil situation is not quite as bad as it could be, luckily. It's kind of a clay loam over the rocks? The few plants I've put in the cleared patches over the past two years--mostly foothill penstemon, native sages, and yarrow--seem quite happy, actually. They don't do well if the soil gets too rich (or sometimes they do, but die young). I've mixed in worm castings with some of the plantings to hopefully improve the texture a bit without a nutrient overload, and inevitably a few bits of gravel ended up in the holes too. The foothill penstemon especially seem to love being on a sunny, slightly rocky gentle slope in questionable soil. I've also been seeding three species of low-growing lupines around them for a little but hopefully not too much nitrogen fixation.

I will definitely be adding compost in the back yard after I clear the pointy rocks, though, because that spot is under a mandarin orange tree. The poor thing is so deprived. The drainage is much worse than in the front yard, too.

Thank you for the guild table! I have been looking at rooreh/miner's lettuce for the area immediately around it, but had forgotten alliums, which would be great. Calscape only lists large (for a small space) companion plants for redbud, so that wasn't as much help as it usually is. (Fantastic site if you plant California plants!) I know at least one of my local native plant sales offers alliums. Hm, maybe some blue-eyed grass too...

The cobble situation is kind of funny. On the one hand, I've had to dig extra-large holes so I can get a few of them out and give the roots a better chance to spread. On the other hand...free edging cobbles!

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> So far the easiest and fastest way I've found is picking them up by hand. Which is exactly as slow as it sounds. <<

That sucks.

>> The soil situation is not quite as bad as it could be, luckily. It's kind of a clay loam over the rocks? <<

It sounds more hopeful.

>> The few plants I've put in the cleared patches over the past two years--mostly foothill penstemon, native sages, and yarrow--seem quite happy, actually.<<

Those are good choices.

>> They don't do well if the soil gets too rich (or sometimes they do, but die young).<<

Most Mediterranean plants prefer poor soil, but usually on the lighter side. In too-rich soil, herbs may produce abundant foliage but little flavor. They also need good drainage, which is an issue with clay. You might look at recipes for rock garden or Mediterranean soil.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/soil-for-rock-gardens.htm

https://www.geturbanleaf.com/blogs/herbs/indoor-planters-for-herbs-that-like-dry-soil

http://www.heidihorticulture.com/2017/07/diy-making-your-own-potting-soil-for.html

>> I've mixed in worm castings with some of the plantings to hopefully improve the texture a bit without a nutrient overload, and inevitably a few bits of gravel ended up in the holes too. <<

That should work.

>> The foothill penstemon especially seem to love being on a sunny, slightly rocky gentle slope in questionable soil. <<

:D

>> I've also been seeding three species of low-growing lupines around them for a little but hopefully not too much nitrogen fixation.<<

Nitrogen-fixing plants, especially natives, are much less likely to cause trouble than too much rich compost or synthetic fertilizer.

>> I will definitely be adding compost in the back yard after I clear the pointy rocks, though, because that spot is under a mandarin orange tree. The poor thing is so deprived. The drainage is much worse than in the front yard, too.<<

Yay, orange tree! You could probably build a guild around that too.

https://www.summerwindsnursery.com/az/inspire/blog/family-favorites-how-to-grow-mandarin-oranges/

https://thesurvivalgardener.com/prevent-citrus-greening-hopefully-citrus-tree-guild/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-tree-companions.htm

>> Thank you for the guild table! <<

You're welcome. :D

>> I have been looking at rooreh/miner's lettuce for the area immediately around it, but had forgotten alliums, which would be great. <<

Garlic chives will attract many pollinators. Mine is covered with blue-winged wasps as soon as it opens -- they parasitize scarab beetles. The Junebug and Japanese beetle populations are much lower now. You also have many native options if you can find a supplier:

https://pacifichorticulture.org/articles/the-wild-onions-of-california/

>> (Fantastic site if you plant California plants!) <<

I am in central Illinois, but I have friends in California.

>> I know at least one of my local native plant sales offers alliums. Hm, maybe some blue-eyed grass too...<<

Good idea.

>>The cobble situation is kind of funny. On the one hand, I've had to dig extra-large holes so I can get a few of them out and give the roots a better chance to spread. On the other hand...free edging cobbles!<<

LOL yes. I've had the same experience with bricks. I'll be digging a hole, encounter a corner, only to have it turn out to be a half or whole brick. Much digging, but yay free brick!

Re: Thoughts

[sunnyskywalker]

Ooh, just saw the fig guild with peppers and beans. I have a little fig in the backyard! I wonder if chickpeas would work too... Lots of experimenting to do.

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Ooh, just saw the fig guild with peppers and beans. I have a little fig in the backyard! <<

Yay fig! They make a great guild core, and the easiest way to create a guild is starting with tree or bush you already have.

>> I wonder if chickpeas would work too... Lots of experimenting to do.<<

They should. 'Ceci' garbanzo bean is a drought-resistant cultivar.

This guide to permaculture guilds and their roles is from California:
https://www.vegetariat.com/2015/11/plant-guilds-work-1/

Mediterranean Understory & *Guild Plants for Food Forests – Part 1 The Concept
https://greenbeanconnection.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/mediterranean-understory-guild-plants-for-food-forests-part-1-4/

Mediterranean Understory & Guild Plants for Food Forests – Part 2 The List
https://greenbeanconnection.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/mediterranean-understory-guild-plants-for-food-forests-part-2/


Also well worth considering in any guild are plants native to your locale. Everywhere has some that are edible, attract wildlife you want, produce craft materials, etc. Plus they require little or no care once established.

https://sustainablecoco.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Backyard-Native-Plants-8-26-20.pdf


Keystone species give the most bang for your buck as they support the most other species -- particularly butterflies, moths, and their caterpillars. Then the caterpillars provide food for baby birds.

https://www.americanmeadows.com/blogs/perennials/how-to-choose-keystone-native-plants-by-ecoregion


Check this list for pollinator plants in your area, as California has multiple habitat types:

https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists

Re: Thoughts

[sunnyskywalker]

I'm lucky to have an oak tree, one of our biggest keystone species, right next to the front yard. It technically belongs to the neighbor (the fence zigs to accommodate a fire hydrant), so I can't count on it staying forever, but for now I'm loving it. The pattern of pipes and conduits through the yard severely limits the areas where I can put anything woody of any size, sadly. But I managed a couple of a small variety of ceanothus (another keystone genus), the sages, a couple of a small-scale artemisia nativars, and I think one day I can squeeze in a red-flowering currant to share with the birds.

The herbaceous layer is a bit easier--besides the yarrow and penstemon, I've got a few of our local erigeron species (another keystone), and of course the classic lupine/poppy combo. I'm seeding more species of wildflowers in the bare areas I can't plant yet; I don't think the baby blue eyes or last year's rooreh have reseeded, but the elegant clarkia did. Phacelia is a really key one and on my list to add. I'm having good luck with coyote mint, which is great for tea!

I've got a big spreadsheet with plant habits and bloom times and functions, and am adding a few plants every planting season (the poppies and lupines are happy to fill in the gaps in the meantime, and enough survived the weed fabric removal that they should spread nicely again for next year). I'm always looking for more ideas, and for the backyard where I will eventually be able to add a few more small fruit trees and shrubs and more herbs and veggies, so every fresh source for Mediterranean-climate guilds is welcome! I was able to test Armenian cucumbers last year, and they worked out great planted with some purple green beans on a cattle-fencing archway with sunflowers and borage at either end. I might try a different type of bean this year, and maybe half the number of cucumber vines because they were incredibly productive.

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> I'm lucky to have an oak tree, one of our biggest keystone species, right next to the front yard. <<

Yay!

If the branches hang over your yard, then you can add "soft landing" plants underneath to catch caterpillars as they rain down.

>>The pattern of pipes and conduits through the yard severely limits the areas where I can put anything woody of any size, sadly.<<

Alas!

>> But I managed a couple of a small variety of ceanothus (another keystone genus), the sages, a couple of a small-scale artemisia nativars, and I think one day I can squeeze in a red-flowering currant to share with the birds.<<

Yay! Those are very useful.

>>The herbaceous layer is a bit easier--besides the yarrow and penstemon,<<

Those are great for sites with clay/gravel soil.

>> I've got a few of our local erigeron species (another keystone), and of course the classic lupine/poppy combo.<<

Yeah, I was going to suggest California poppies for disturbed areas. They support several butterfly species.

>>I'm seeding more species of wildflowers in the bare areas I can't plant yet; I don't think the baby blue eyes or last year's rooreh have reseeded, but the elegant clarkia did. Phacelia is a really key one and on my list to add. I'm having good luck with coyote mint, which is great for tea!<<

That's a good idea.

Some places sell wildflower mixes by state or other habitat, which is an affordable way to get diverse species. I'm in central Illinois and have a favorite monarch butterfly mix.

https://www.americanmeadows.com/products/california-wildflower-seed-mix

Some are even more specific:

https://larnerseeds.com/collections/wildflower-seed-mixes

https://californianativeplants.com/blog/wildflowers/

>> I've got a big spreadsheet with plant habits and bloom times and functions, and am adding a few plants every planting season <<

I admire your skill. I can't use spreadsheets.

>> I'm always looking for more ideas, and for the backyard where I will eventually be able to add a few more small fruit trees and shrubs and more herbs and veggies, <<

It's packed gravel right now, yeah? What about putting containers over the gravel? You could test which plants do well there, and whether the wildlife likes them. That would give you a better gauge for mass plantings after the gravel is gone.

>> so every fresh source for Mediterranean-climate guilds is welcome! <<

Check your area for permaculture or gardening clubs. I kept hitting those when I was searching for guild plant lists.

Two ways to build your own guilds:

* Look at how plants grow in nature. Any cluster of several useful plants is something you can probably recreate.

* Consider the roles in a guild and which native plants might fill them.

>>I was able to test Armenian cucumbers last year, and they worked out great planted with some purple green beans on a cattle-fencing archway with sunflowers and borage at either end. I might try a different type of bean this year, and maybe half the number of cucumber vines because they were incredibly productive.<<

Woohoo! Arches are awesome. I've heard you can even grow melons on them if you put the fruit in slings.