With new water restrictions in place in California, it might be difficult for people to imagine what their garden could look like without their lawn. Or impatiens. Or other water loving plants. (Full disclosure: I have a garden full of low water plants, cactus and succulents already) Even if the predicted El Niño arrives this winter, California is still really a desert and conserving water should become a habit for the long haul.
With the right design and using the right plant materials almost any garden style be low water, butterfly and bee friendly AND gorgeous!
It was fun to put together these water friendly plants to design and photograph for the California Friendly plants campaign for
Plant Depot; as I worked, butterflies fluttered all around, clamoring for a little flower time. Hummingbirds whirled about and bees buzzed. All the plants made for not only a beautiful garden to look at, but also a beautiful garden for cutting and making a long lasting floral arrangement. (The arrangement lasted more than a week!) And this shoot combined three of my favorite things: gardening, Plant Depot and reclaimed wood!
Often times when I'm working, although I start with an initial plan, I often try several different setups and this was no exception. I had originally envisioned the flowers on burlap, but after that setup, switched to using reclaimed wood as my backdrop. Anytime I can use my reclaimed wood pieces, I'm a happy photographer--and they were the perfect backdrop for all of these beautiful flowers. For the bouquet image, there was no doubt that my reclaimed wall backdrop was going to be the winner.
If you're a little hesitant to get rid of your lawn, head over to
Plant Depot and let them show you a few alternatives. They have an amazing staff full of knowledge!! (And if you like reclaimed wood, head over to
True American Grain for reclaimed wood heaven!!)
1. Achillea millefollium 'Pineapple Mango'
2. Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'
3. Achillea millefolium 'Pink Grapefruit'
4. Echinacea 'Sombrero Flamenco Orange'
5. Asclepias curassavica 'Tropical Milkweed'
6. Salvia canariensis 'Canary Island Sage'
7. Lantana montevidensis
8. Gomphrena Orange
9. Buddleia davidii 'Cranrazz'
10. Lavendula stoechas 'Spanish Lavender'
11. Echinacea 'Sombrero Flamenco Orange'
12. Kniphofia 'Rockette Yellow'
13. Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
Projects like this are much easier when they are broken down into smaller shoots within the larger project. Additionally, creating a shoot plan and even setting up and styling in advance provides relatively stress free shoot and post production days. 
