Tiered Landscape Can Help Plants Weather Hard Blows

Landscapes can be protected from the wind to some degree by design.

“When we install landscapes in areas that are usually windy, we tier the landscape to include wind barriers,” said landscape designer Ross Holmquist of San Juan Capistrano.

Hedges, shrubs or even small trees, such as eucalyptus or ficus, are planted on the perimeter and set close enough to protect the enclosed plants from winds. These are allowed to grow their foliage to the ground.

The next tier consists of smaller plants, such as oleander or pittosporum. After these foundation plants are installed, more ornamental plants, such as hardy perennials or colorful annuals, complete the design.

Though the ground is still soggy from January’s heavy rains, high strong winds can also dry out plants. Water if the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Plants in containers will need supplemental watering, since they dry out faster than those in the ground.