Six Plant Communities for Gardens in Marin County
In our undeveloped places certain plants grow together in conditions that
are similar. These groupings are called plant communities.
Knowledge about those plants and the conditions under which they grow helps
in creating a successful landscape. Gardens that are like local plant
communities have a high rate of success if cared for correctly.
Plants from similar environments of the other
Mediterranean climate zones
can be mixed with California natives to create a stunning garden. Just
think how exciting it would be to bring a little our much loved Open Space
into your garden!
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 Chaparral:
Perhaps we identify with the chaparral landscape because it is typical of
our sunny hillsides. It is also the source for many of our garden
worthy shrubs. They are mostly evergreen and have developed ways of
conserving precious water, which is found in the color or texture of their
leaves. Plants typical of this plant community thrive in sun-drenched
gardens with little to no water. Two plants typical of a chaparral
garden are Ceanothus sp: wild lilacs or Arctostaphylos sp: manzanitas.
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 Coastal Scrub:
This plant community occurs on rocky slopes close to the ocean and on
inland hills where there is a lot of fog and wind. These plants are
adapted to the coastal climate, and do best in areas influenced by the
ocean. They can help to incorporate a rocky slope into a landscape, or
can be used to create a rock garden. A native succulent, Dudleya sp.
is a spectacular member of this plant community.
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 Grassland/Meadow:
Most of the grasslands seen in Marin County today are comprised of
invasive non-native annual grasses. These grasses give the hills that
golden look in summer. Native bunch grasses stay green a bit longer,
have deeper roots, and in a landscape setting can stay green all year.
A meadow in a garden is a beautiful lawn substitute and is most often
bordered by other planting areas. It successfully grades into all
other plant communities described here. Imagine attracting beneficial
insects with your wildflower-filled meadow garden!
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 Mixed Evergreen Forest:This is the dominant forest type in Marin County; it contains both
deciduous and evergreen trees. Our local forests offer a wealth of
plants for the landscape offering amazing diversity that ranges from oaks
and madrones to conifer understories. Taking into account the water
needs of the dominant trees in your garden is extremely important. Think of
attracting hummingbirds with the lovely Pink-flowering Currant: Ribes
sanguineum var. glutinosum.
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 Oak Woodland:
Our hilly oak woodlands are one of the Bay Area’s most beloved and
familiar landscapes. Oak trees support an amazing number of species of
birds, insects, etc. – some estimate this number at 300! Taking care of our
beloved oaks by planting dry gardens near them is extremely important. But,
contrary to popular belief, dry gardens can be lovely! Imagine brushing by
the fragrant Western Mock Orange: Philadelphus lewisii as you
stroll through your garden.
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 Riparian
Area:
Creating a stream or creek side area in your garden can be a place where
your favorite plants live that have greater water needs. These areas
can also be excellent sites for collecting runoff in the winter and can be
dry creek beds or recycle water in the summer. Whether creating a
continuous or seasonal flow, riparian areas supply lush habitat areas to a
garden. Many areas in Marin County back up to creeks and drainages –
wouldn’t it be wonderful to return these areas to their natural state, thus
providing much needed habitat? Who wouldn’t be thrilled to drink
morning coffee in the midst of flowering dogwoods: Cornus sp. and
columbines: Aquilegia formosa?
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