In a short stretch of coastline, Santa Cruz includes saltwater beaches, lagoons (salty or brackish “lakes”), estuaries, and rivers or creeks. Each of these water features may be associated with distinctive geological formations, microclimates, and plant communities. According to botanist *Glenn Keator, plant communities are “repeatable assemblages of plants that grow together because of similar adaptations to microclimates, soils and slopes, and biotic factors.”
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| Natural Bridges State Beach - dunes and salt water. |
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| Small lagoon at Natural Bridges State Beach. Moore Creek empties into the lagoon. |
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| San Lorenzo River runs through Santa Cruz, and empties into the Santa Cruz Harbor. |
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By understanding the unique geology, microclimate, soil type, aspect, and native plant community, it is possible to plan a garden that includes a palette of plants, trees, and shrubs that works together. As my visits to the desert fostered my interest in dry climate plants, my visit to the Santa Cruz coast has fostered an interest in coastal and riparian plants. More research is needed.
* Keator, Glenn and Middlebrook, Alrie. Designing California Native Gardens: The Plant Community Approach to Artful, Ecological Gardens, page 7. University of California Press, Berkeley, Lost Angeles, London, 2007. ISBN 0520239784 or 9780520239784.
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