AboutRussel Ray Expertise I can answer questions about water-wise landscaping, xeriscaping, and using native vegetation, cactus, and succulents to create a home paradise that won't increase your water bill.
Experience My wise ol' grandmother got me started with cactus and succulents 42 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
Organizations National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials After graduating from Texas A&M University, I started a plant-sitting business in Houston to take care of the house plants when people went on vacation. That went on for five years before I moved back to College Station and started several businesses, one of which was a landscaping business specializing in "dry" landscaping.
Awards and Honors The privilege of working with people.
Expert: Russel Ray Date: 7/16/2008 Subject: landscaping
Question Hello Russel
I live in SoCali in the high desert (Antelope Valley) we have desert conditions and high winds. The winds are eroding around the slab foundation of my home and the foundation is starting to crack. What kind of shrubbery, grass (I have dogs, kids, horses -so cactus not preferred)can I use to help the foundation and fence too??
Answer Hey, Darleen.
If I were in your area, I would get some boulders and rocks that can be carried by one person (me!) and build a rock garden around my foundation and the fence posts. Within the rocks, I'd plant some succulents that could take the dry conditions and high winds. There is a huge selection of succulents from which to choose since it is one of the largest plant families.
The other thing you could do is practice container gardening. But a group of containers to your liking, arrange them as you like, and put some plants in them.
Stop by Borders Books and Music or Home Depot and look at the books in the landscaping/gardening section. Look specifically for books dealing with gardening with containers, gardening with rocks and boulders, low-water use gardening, dry gardening, and xeriscape gardening.
