Why Choose a Drought-Tolerant Garden in San José?
- Water Savings: Native California plants can thrive on half the water of traditional turf.
- Low Maintenance: Less mowing, fertilizing, and pest control—more time enjoying your yard.
- Wildlife Habitat: Attract pollinators and birds with native wildflowers and shrubs.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced water and maintenance bills offset installation costs over time.
Our Design & Installation Process
- Site Analysis: Soil testing, sun/shade mapping, and existing irrigation evaluation.
- Concept Plan & 3D Visualization: See your new garden in realistic detail before we break ground.
- Plant Selection: Curated palette of drought-tolerant natives (California poppy, ceanothus, manzanita) and Mediterranean perennials.
- Irrigation Upgrade: Drip-line systems and smart controllers calibrated for seasonal rainfall.
- Installation & Mulching: Proper soil amendments, mulch layer, and planting layout maximize water retention.
- Final Walkthrough: We review care instructions and ensure you’re confident managing your new landscape.
Top Plant Picks for San José Low-Water Gardens
- Ceanothus “Ray Hartman”: Evergreen shrub with bright blue flowers and excellent heat tolerance.
- Salvia leucophylla: Purple sage—aromatic, drought-resistant, and pollinator magnet.
- Agave americana: Architectural succulent that commands attention with minimal water.
- California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Native wildflower that self-sows and carpets beds in gold.
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos): Twisting branches and pink blooms add seasonal interest.
Seasonal Maintenance & Care Tips
Spring & Early Summer
- Inspect drip lines for clogs and leaks.
- Apply a fresh 2″ layer of organic mulch around perennials.
- Prune spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
Fall & Winter
- Reduce irrigation frequency by 30% as temperatures drop.
- Remove debris to prevent fungal issues.
- Check controller settings for rain delays.
