Question
I have just re-planted my landscaping in Southern California with a mix of flowers, plants and shrubs and am trying to determine the most effective and less labor intensive way to fertilize to maximize the look and colors. How can I accomplish this?

Answer
You're going to LOVE organic gardening, Mark.

Slow release Fertilizers, natural predators, no fuss no muss.

Many Annual flowers perform BEST in POOR soil.  Fertilizing them is just asking for trouble.  They won't bloom that way.  Petunias and Geraniums come to mind.

Perennials are by definition the kinds of plants that return year after year.  But in reality, most perennials don't do that more than 2 or 3 seasons, no matter how green your thumb is.  They're made for other things, not for perennialization.  If you're growing perennials, make sure you pick the kind with a long lifespan.

Growing things from seed is also extremely economical compared with the cost of plants.  Don't be in a rush, and you'll save yourself thousands.

Labor intensive gets a boost with Fabric Covers for blocking out Weeds.  I couldn't believe I hadn't tried it sooner.  Just cut and paste around the plants you have, secure with a rock, mulch and grow.  Piece of cake.

Depending on the flowers, shrubs and other plants you have, you will be adding Bone Meal (for flowers and roots) and/or Alfalfa Meal/Bloodmeal (for leaves) to the soil to build it up.  Even a single application of chemical fertilizer will destroy most microbes in the soil that makes those nutrients available to your plants.  Don't fall for their lines; these are bad for you.

Ladybugs will be your best friend.  They eat everything bad under the sun.  Keep them in stock and you'll never spray a day in your life for Aphids or Thrips or anything else.  There are other predatory insects that are just as wonderful; these are SO easy you won't believe it.

I could go on but I may be missing something else.  rsvp