ground rock covering in the backyard, but I have multiple fruit trees -- Apple, kumquat, lime, orange. Currently I have brown mulch but I don't like the look of it. Is using 3/4" stone going to kill trees? Thank you for any help!
I wouldn't think it would kill them, but it may increase the heat in the area, which could be detrimental. Rock is usually recommended for xeriscape areas or areas without plants. Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/using-inorganic-mulch-in-gardens.htm
I am trying to plant a drought resistant garden in northern California Zone 9. I am looking for plants that require the least amount of care. What do you recommend?
Here are some articles to help you get started!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-vegetable-planting-guide.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-perennial-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/choosing-wildflowers-for-zone-9.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-sun-tolerant-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/cacti-for-zone-9-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-drought-tolerant-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/building-terrace-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/a-beginners-lesson-in-xeriscaping.htm
Garden on Costa del Sol (southern Spain)
In this article you'll find a great list of plants that thrive in hot climate conditions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/plants-zones-9-11.htm
are there any colourful rockery plants that will do well in a shaded area
This article has a list of plants:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/garden-rockery-construction.htm
and here is more info about shade-lovers:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm
We have dug out all our sod from the last of our front lawn by hand, protecting the locust tree roots running through, and are preparing to create a new landscape with rocks and small evergreen plants, some thyme and vinca. The space is only about 15' by 15' (about 300 sq. ft). I would appreciate your suggestions for killing the grass roots, preferably without using toxic chemicals.
There are no guarantees, but a great way to really kill grass for good is solarization. Boiling water may be a daunting undertaking, but it works, as well. This article will give you some ideas:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/how-to-kill-grass-naturally-kill-unwanted-grass-in-your-yard.htm
Just removed 6 metres of Leylandii hedges from border. In doing so revealed garden wall concrete foundation. It is 20cm wide and 10cm below border soil level. Will anything grow in such poor conditions?
These articles will help you to find selections that will do well with very little room and little soil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/fall-gardening-in-small-spaces.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plants-for-cracks-crevices.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/gardens-in-small-spaces.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/best-balcony-plants.htm
I am looking for a landscape person who does Xeriscape so I can see how expensive it is to put it in.
We don't make recommendations, but you may be able to do it yourself. Here is how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/xeriscaping-creative-landscaping-7-228/
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/xeriscaping-retrofit-your-yard-7-234/