Born to Plant

“Born to Plant” has become a mantra for us here at Madrone.  The original idea came as a response to a similar slogan drawn on a soldier’s helmet in the film, Full Metal Jacket.  But rather than the dark irony intended in the film, for us it’s a nod to a deep commitment to our craft, as a way of expressing ourselves and our values through our work.

Andy Lipkis, founder of Tree People(a Los Angeles-based environmental nonprofit organization) states in his landmark book, The Simple Act of Planting a Tree,  it’s “about community—establishing it, tapping into it, and using it to nurture responsibility for our global environment.”  That same simple act is also indisputably a positive one, in the face of an alarmingly changing climate.  The more trees we plant(*in the right place of course!), the better.  Simply….Born to Plant!

Have we “Found Home”?

In the early 1990s, Central Coast-based author and Native Sons Nursery owner, David Fross wrote a brilliant essay titled, “Finding Home”.  His take on how we can be truly at home here in California, after inadvertantly altering and at times, essentially destroying so much of our vital, natural systems, includes the following:  “….this legacy of conquest need not define our relationship with this place.  We can find a greater wisdom to guide our actions toward our landscapes, and redefine how we will live there.”  “…we too can reaffirm our commitment to our home by weaving our native flora firmly into the fabric of our community.  We can rediscover and renew the California landscape with our gardens and open ourselves to a fuller meaning of community and home.”  Amen, Dave.

Finally, one might say that “Plants Matter.”  Throughout the Central California Coast, with our thirsty summers and increasingly severe droughts, this is especially true.  So for ‘plant nerds’ such as ourselves, we love to invest our inspiration into our designs and projects, knowing that while we’re working with clients to create the absolute best and beautiful solutions, we’re also contributing positively to the life and character of one of the most beautiful regions on earth.

Edible Plants

Edible Plants have obvious benefits in today’s landscapes.  If there is ever a plant earning its keep, it’s one that yields food!   Eating fresh food that you have grown is another of those simple acts that have meaning far beyond the calories and flavors.  Whether incorporated in a permaculture design, or in areas set aside exclusively for food production, such as raised beds or orchards, it pays to include food-bearing  plants in your landscape.

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=resources

Edible Landscaping http://www.rosalindcreasy.com/edible-landscaping-basics/

Book:  Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy

Mediterranean Plants

Mediterranean Plants are any plants that are adaptable to climates like those found on the Central Coast of California.  Mediterranean climates, are major climate types of the Köppen classification characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters and located between about 30° and 45° latitude north and south of the Equator and on the western sides of the continents. Mediterranean climates include Mediterranean Europe, the Western Cape of Southern Africa, Central Chile in South America, Southern Australia and California.  Using plants from Mediterranean climates exponentially increases the creative combinations of plants which are relatively compatible with Central Coast localities.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden http://slobg.org/

Leaning Pine Arboretum http://www.leaningpinearboretum.calpoly.edu/

Monrovia https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/search/

Landscape Plants for California Gardens  by Bob Perry

Sunset’s 365 Days of Color: Keeping Your Garden in Bloom

Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide