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Oak Woodland Gardens
Oak Woodlands occur on a variety of hilly habitats where there's no summer water and conditions remain warm to hot and sunny most of the day. When gardening under oaks like these Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia), be sure to use shrubs, perennials, and ferns that are drought tolerant. A perfect example is the massed white blossoms of the 'Canyon Snow' cultivar of Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana).
Oak Woodland Underplanted with Pacific Coast Iris "Canyon Snow" Selection
This site is a naturally occurring Oak and mixed evergreen Woodland, comprised of Coast Live Oak, Black Oak and Valley Oak with California Bay and Madrone. The garden designer's task was simple: create an under-story of plants that are native to these two plant communities. The repeated white flowers of the 'Canyon Snow' selection of Pacific Coast Iris are a perfect compliment to the dappled shade of the Oaks. To accentuate the woodland experience, flagstone pathways amble up and down and between the trees of this hillside garden. Native bunch grasses are massed for dramatic effect in the more open sunny areas. Decorative containers punctuate the walking spaces. They are filled with oversized ornamental grasses.
Oak Woodland Underplanted with Wild Iris, Alum Root and Phacelia
The Black Oak canopy of this garden provides the ideal environment for dry shade-loving natives like Douglas Iris, Heucheras, and Phacelia. During spring, wildflower annuals like Meadow Foam germinate in the rocky creek bed. Particularly effective is the massing of two species: the Iris in the foreground and the Heuchera 'Windy' with its tall pink Coral Bell-like flowers in the background. This garden is beautiful because of its simplicity. Limiting the number of species, massing them for dramatic effect and allowing the edge to settle in place create a soothing effect. The positive effects of a well-designed garden should never be underestimated!
Oak Woodland Plant Specimens
Toyon
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Large evergreen shrub or small tree useful as a specimen, hedge, foundation shrub, or barrier plant. Features large, leathery, hollylike leaves, masses of white flowers in summer, and bright red fruits in fall.
Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium bellum
Rhizomatous perennial with narrow, irislike leaves and clusters of blue-purple, saucer-shaped flowers with a yellow center. Flowers appear through spring and may continue into early summer. Plants vary from a few inches high to around 2 feet tall. Tolerates high shade or full sun with occasional summer water.
Wild Poppy
Stylomecon heterophylla
Annual wildflower with variable leaves and single, poppy-like, dark orange flowers produced from mid-to-late spring. Prefers high shade. Excellent under oaks.