Sacramento Backyard Landscape Ideas

Native Plants

• Turn your standard, manicured backyard into a more natural environment using plants that are native to the Sacramento area. Not only will you create an environment that is lush and inviting, but maintenance and upkeep will be greatly reduced. Native shrubs include caramel creeper, flannel bush, Oregon grape and California holly. Native grasses include needlegrass and deer grass. The list of flowering plants is vast and includes Pacific Coast iris, California poppy, Indian paintbrush and yarrow. Contact the Sacramento Native Plant Society for more information.

Habitat Landscaping

• Habitat landscaping is a method of landscaping where specific types of plants and yard maintenance methods are used to attract native fauna such as birds and butterflies. For example, if you want to create a bee-friendly backyard, plant flowering plants that grow well in Sacramento, such as veronica (blue elf), buckwheat, lilac or sticky monkey flower. If you want to attract birds, leave fallen seeds from trees on the ground and prune trees in a way that provides shelter and branches for nests. It is possible to practice habitat landscaping while using native plants.

Waterfall Fountain

• Northern California is known for its vast geography of mountains, forests and waterfalls, and Sacramento is in close proximity to national forests such as Yosemite, Eldorado and Plumas. Pay homage to the natural landscape of Northern California with a waterfall fountain. Stacked-rock outdoor fountains are available for sale, or you can create your own using a waterfall pump. Adorn the waterfall with small, conical or pyramid-shaped evergreen shrubs to mimic the redwood forests.

Chainsaw Sculpture

• Northern California is also one of the premier places in the world for chainsaw sculpture and, unlike a cheap plastic flamingo, a stout wood sculpture will stand as a proud ornament in your lawn. By purchasing a chainsaw sculpture, you will also support a regional artist. Animals such as bears, owls or eagles, Native American figures or gnomes are all popular themes. Look online for regional chainsaw carvers, or simply stop at a roadside carving stand on your next camping trip. Just make sure the wood is treated for outdoor use.