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Gardening near the beach

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Question

My garden is near Golden Gate Park in the Sunset... about 12 blocks from the beach. The area I need to plant is the shady south fence area. I have vegetables trying to grow in the sunny parts. I have sandy soil, possibly somewhat acidic since I also have a pine tree out there. I do have a couple of azaleas already that I have managed not to kill - despite neglect. What do you think? I'd like to find stuff that will not need a lot of attention or water.
Stephanie
San Francisco

Answer

Artemesia Silver Mound, Artemesia Powis Castle, Arctostaphylos (Manzanita), Armeria maritima, Ceanothus (many varieties), Sedums, succulents, Aeoniums and Echeverias, Fremontodendron, Erigeron glaucus, Erigeron karvinskianus, Festuca californica, Muhlenbergia (Deer Grass), Sisyrinchium (Blue-Eyed Grass), Zauschneria, Rhus integrifolia, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia clevelandii, Eriogonum (Buckwheat), Lavatera assurgentiflora, Mahonia, Myrica, Echium (not native but does very well).. Keep in mind that not all plant material is available simultaneously. You may need to special order and stagger your planting depending on availability.

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