Marine Influences

We’re planning an outing to Santa Cruz to visit the beach, cruise the boardwalk, and ride the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster (built in 1924). Our son heads back to University of Anchorage soon to pursue his art degree, so a family trek to the beach is just what we need to celebrate summer and spend some time together!

 

Blanket of fog along the California coast

As usual, I reach for Sunset’s The Western Garden Book. Santa Cruz is in climate zone 17 – “Marine Effects – Southern, Northern, and Central California” and online. According to Sunset, the climate is dominated by ocean influences 98% of the time. Frost is not a factor. Cool, wet winters and cool summers with frequent fog or wind are the norm. The fog reduces the intensity of light and sunshine by providing a protective blanket. Wind and salt spray may limit some plant choices, and heat-loving plants may not receive enough heat to bloom. Normal summer temperature highs range from 60 to 75 degrees.

Climate zone 17 runs in a thin strip along the western coast, from Southern Oregon through the San Francisco Bay Area, to as far south as Santa Maria. There are regional differences in vegetation, due to latitude change, but the marine influence prevails. I’m looking forward to learning more about local plants in the Santa Cruz area, and fun gardening ideas.