Considerations for Landscaping in Alameda

Being an island, Alameda has a few unique characteristics that must be factored into a landscape design there.

Like much of the East Bay, Alameda typically has warm, sunny weather throughout the spring, summer and fall. However, due to its location the town is privy to mild breezes off of the Bay, which serves to moderate temperatures and support a broader range of plants one can grow.

Additionally, the general east-west orientation of most neighborhoods and the many trees throughout the island create a fair amount of shaded environments. These characteristics are beneficial for water conservation and allows for a landscape design in Alameda to include attractive, shade-loving plants like California’s native ferns or flowering currant species. For those interested in cultivating edible species, broccoli, leafy greens and many other vegetables will also grow well in mixed shade gardens.

Properties that receive more sun will be suitable for beautiful-yet-rugged species such as California natives Ceanothus, Mimulus and Yarrow, or non-native, drought-tolerant plants like Lantana and Salvia.

The soil in Alameda is unremarkable on its own, typically sand or clay, and deserves to be amended. A garden or yard with clay soil is best modified with lime, gypsum/pumice and compost manure, while sandy soils require an infusion of organic matter, such as manure, grapeseed compost or even fallen leaves from the street.

Creating a serene garden landscape in Alameda is a natural fit with the town’s relaxed atmosphere and tree-lined neighborhoods, perhaps including hardscaping elements like a patio for a barbecue along with an artfully crafted fence and gate to define the space. If you’d like some ideas, please see our portfolio page.