Sustainable Landscaping

Know your Environment: Landscaping in Millbrae

Hardiness Zone 10A

The hardiness zone determines which perennial plants are most likely to thrive in any given location. In Millbrae, our hardiness zone is 10A. The next time you are shopping for plants, make sure they can tolerate a Hardiness Zone of 10A.

Soil Makeup

Soil has three main components: Sand, Clay, and Silt. Healthy soil will have a combination of the three to ensure proper drainage and root growth. Know your soil and make the proper soil amendments, if necessary, before planting to ensure your plants' success.

Slope

If your garden is not on a hill, there is not much to worry about. However, if it is, your main concerns are likely erosion and water runoff. When shopping for plants, choose those that have a strong root system to provide erosion control. Observe the areas where water pools; this can help you decide where to put a bioswale.

Biodiversity is a healthy variety and variability of life. A biodiverse garden has many species of plants that attract different species. Biodiverse gardens attract more pollinators, are more averse to pest and diseases, and more resilient to environmental changes such as drought or rain events. For example, during the summer, or drought, grass lawns tend to brown whereas biodiverse gardens stay alive all year round. To ensure that your garden is biodiverse make sure to plant a variety of species. Visit the Drought Tolerant Landscaping at City Hall for inspiration.

Example of a landscape that is not biodiverse: Monoculture Farms or Grass Lawns

These landscapes only have one species of plant that is cultivated.

Example of a landscape that is biodiverse: Millbrae City Hall Drought Tolerant Landscaping

This garden has many species of plants, see Millbrae City Hall Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Plant List (PDF).

Spotlight on Sustainable Gardens:

City Hall Drought Tolerant Landscaping

The Millbrae Drought Tolerant Landscaping Project replaced 8,000 square feet of existing landscaped areas in front of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Millbrae Police Bureau and Fire Station 37 with drought-tolerant landscaping and replaced the spray irrigation system with a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation systems are beneficial in using 30-50% less water than conventional spray irrigation and prevent overwatering by keeping the water close to the base of the plants and soil. The project was completed with funding from the WaterSMART small-scale water efficiency grant from the Bureau of Reclamation.

The Project used many pollinator-friendly plants to benefit local flora and fauna. Davis Showy Milkweed was planted to support the Monarch Butterfly populations. Many of the plants included in the landscaping are fire-resistant and support pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and moths.

Drought-tolerant landscaping not only accommodates dry weather but also efficiently manages heavy rain with the use of bioswales. Bioswales are channels that hold stormwater runoff and cleanse water while recharging the groundwater and reducing soil erosion. The bioswales in this project are made out of cobble mulch and will naturally filter the stormwater as it sinks into the ground.

Come visit the new garden and get inspiration for yours!

See full plant list (PDF)