This pie-shaped spot surrounded by two retail parking lots often catches my attention as I drive by. A tall yucca with opuntia and ornamental grass at the base are good choices for landscaping in our climate. Nice looking, simple, and low maintenance. I think David at The Desert Edge would approve of this arrangement although you might not see this combination in the wild.
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When I took the above photo there were so many weeds I wondered if anyone maintained this little slice of landscape. A few weeks later I discovered that someone does indeed care for this spot as the weeds had been removed. Better than plain gravel or struggling non-native plants.
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Curious mix of architecture with the shed-style building attached to a more traditional building with arches typical of our region. The plants in containers near the front door to the left are mostly grasses while the animal clinic (with the arches) at the far end sports a less interesting row of indian hawthorne shrubs.
It gets especially hot along parking lots in summer so the plants work well behind this building which houses a dentist office. Do you think the patients can see the yucca from the chair?
That's a fun little strip! I love finding little places like that. Near me there is a small strip planted with ceanothus, lavender, and blue fescue grass that I love to drive by.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to share the little spots that can make errand running fun.
DeleteFun spot! I love the wavy edged opuntia that we see in many gardens in your area. It's so nice to remember warm summer days.
ReplyDeleteThe wavy one is pretty cool looking and it grows all over the place.
DeleteI love those little gardens, also, though I'm not sure I would want to look at something sharp and poky while sitting in the dentist's chair!
ReplyDeleteGood thinking Cynthia. A true spiky plant fan would love it though. My dentist has an ancient live oak out the window and I find it quite relaxing.
DeleteI would like to see the sun on the yucca out the window.....dream about what makes me happy while I was in the chair. Id be so busy planning where to plant that yucca I would forget I was at the dentist. Well maybe! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt would be fun to know if that is the treatment room wouldn't it?
DeleteLittle discoveries like this are part of how blogging heightens our senses, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to picture a blog post around every corner.
DeleteInteresting before and after on the weeds! My dentist has "viewing windows" out of each treatment room, each with a different type of planting and focal point - either a tree or statue. It makes me almost happy to be at the dentist! :) Not!
ReplyDeleteI like it! Especially the Yucca and Cacti combination--they're complementary. I also like the idea of a low-maintenance succulent garden.
ReplyDeleteWhen my yuccas grow up I might do this around the base.
DeleteI enjoyed your photos and story. Since we have cold weather in winter, rarely plant these opuntia outside in Japan. The combination of yucca with opuntia and ornamental grass is great! Maybe patients also enjoy the view from the window!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the view would be nice. There are many opuntia which can take very cold weather too. Cactus gardens would be very different in Japan.
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