WHY KILL YOUR LAWN

I have never been a fan of lawn.  It never did anything for me visually and always seemed like a waste.  I much rather prefer the ideas of having a bountiful garden that you and the local wildlife can enjoy.  A garden that you could forage from.   

Now I get that there are some people that wish to have a space for the kids to play or dogs to run around.  But even then there are alternatives to allow for play and fun without the water sucking lawn.  I am not talking fake either.  That is a topic for a different (coming soon) video. 

If you have transformed your lawn into a garden then comment below and let me know what you have done.  

SMALL GARDEN TRANSFORMATION

When I was contacted by the homeowners, they had one requests.  They wanted the artificial turf in their front yard replaced.  It was there when they bought the house and they hated it.  So did I.  Truth be told I do not see any value in having fake turf anywhere.  

We decided due to budget reasons to keep all the existing hardscape.   This is what I tell my clients when it comes to existing hardscape.  If it's not a hazard and you don't hate it, then let's not break the bank and leave it be.  In this case we added pavers to not only extend the seating area but also create a path to the side gate.  

The plants are mostly California native and mulched using decomposed granite.  There is also decorative pottery and boulders used to add some pizzazz to the garden.  

LARGE BACKYARD AT NIGHT TIME

 Last week I uploaded a video of a garden that I designed and the process of it's in stall.  Today I wanted to show you what that garden looks like at night.  Enjoy!  

I will upload both videos here so you can watch both.  

LARGE BACKYARD MAKEOVER IN NORTH TUSTIN

What I love most about designing gardens, is designing spaces that are not cookie cutter.  Spaces that are unique to the person who is going to live in and enjoy that space.  In this case I was hired by a lovely husband and wife who had a 2 year old son and wanted many things to happen in their space.

Firstly, an area to entertain.  A large curved paver area to enjoy the outdoors and lounge around.  Secondly, they wanted a large grass area for their son to run around and play in.  Lastly, they wanted drought tolerant plants that had some sort of pretty flower colors and ones that needed minimal maintenance.  

All that combined with an energy efficient irrigation and lighting system brought to life this neat project.  Personally, I believe in having a space that is unique to your needs.  One that does what you need it to do, is pretty to look at and is functional.  

CAREX PANSA - 13 WEEKS OF CA NATIVES

Carex pansa - Meadow Sedge is a great California native plant for those that want a low growing ornamental plant and for those that want the look of lawn.  This plant can be mowed much like traditional lawn or you can let it grow in mounds.  Below are some details...

• 1' height
• 2' wide
• Full sun to full shade
• Required regular watering
• Can be planted in place of lawn
• Can be planted in a one gallon size or plugs
• Flowers in the spring 

SAMPLE BOXES DONE RIGHT

Sometimes when I order sample boxes from a company I find myself getting disappointed. I either get a box that does not have enough choices or is not well curated.  The reality is that if you care about your company and promoting your product, then you should take a bit of extra time to curate samples of your product that wow the potential buyer.  In this case my client in Corona wanted to have artificial turf in his back yard. 

This starts a debate about whether faux turf is good or not.  A debate for another post.  So anyways I ordered samples from three companies and had the samples sent to my client's address.  One company never sent samples. One company sent 3 samples that just did not look appealing.  But this third company really went all out with their branding and sample selection. 

There box is riddled with information about the company and inside were a good dozen samples of their product.  Now I won't always design with faux turf, but if I do then I know what company I would recommend. 

TOP 5 WAYS TO ADD CURB APPEAL TO YOUR FRONT YARD

Do you have a front yard that is a little bit tired and in need of some TLC?  Well there are a few things that you can do to your garden without denting your wallet that will not only add a bit curb appeal and life to your garden, but also increase your property value.  In this video I share with you 5 things to add curb appeal. 

TOP 5 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILLS

I can tell you from my 10+ years of designing landscape that one of the things my clients want is to spend less money in the long run.  What can we do to use less energy watering and maintaining our garden as well as saving money inside?  There are many things you can do to reduce your energy bills and in this video I talk about the top 5.

If you are inclined to do any of these tips I would suggest you first look at your lifestyle and determine which is most suitable for you.  Not everything will work for everyone, but these tips are tried and true.

These tips are...
1. Kill (or reduce) your lawn
2. Plant properly
3. Water efficiently
4. Harvest rainwater/graywater
5. Plant deciduous trees

This video explains more in detail.

DESIGN STORIES - MISSION VIEJO PROJECT DWG'S

Last week I showed you part 1 of the mission viejo project being installed and now this week I wanted to show you the drawings that I did for that project.  As with most projects I always like to do two design options to give the clients a sense of what will work in their space.  These concepts are based on what they desire, my vision and what they can realistically afford.

Once me and the clients have agreed on a concept then I we typically go to a nursery and a building materials site to look at all the proposed materials.  I like showing client's the plants I suggest so that they can see first hand.  This is especially important if the plant has a scent.

Then I create detailed drawings that any referred contractor can bid from.  I like to refer contractors because I only refer someone that I have worked with who is also licensed, bonded, insured etc.  I also make sure that my drawings conform to HOA rules and guidelines if necessary.

TUSTIN BLANK SLATE FRONT YARD

I was asked in April to design a front yard for a couple that had torn down what was their one story house and were building their two story dream.  The trick to meeting all their needs was doing so on a shoe string budget.

So the plan was to create a seating area along with some raised and not raised planters.  There is also going to be an area of grass.  The paths and driveway are concrete to save on cost and the majority of the plants will be California native.

They had decided to paint their house a gray color which coordinates nicely with the natural gray concrete.  The ledger stone which has mixed gray tones also coordinates well with the other materials. In this design the color pops will be the plants.  From different leaf color to different flower colors this garden will be something pretty to drive by and look at.


When you are faced with a shoe string budget and are not sure where to begin then this creates a perfect scenario in which it would be wise to consult and hire a professional.  The time it would take for you to do research to determine what will work for you space is time that you could be spending with your loved ones.  In the end the cost of doing the landscape yourself is more than hiring a professional.

SANTA ANA LAWN GONE

When I received a phone call from a husband and wife in Santa Ana to bid designing their front yard and creating a lawn less garden, I was thrilled.  I love killing lawns!  To be truthful I don't like the actual labor aspect of it but I do enjoy proposing it gone on paper and seeing it gone in the real world.  If you have kids or animals that are going to realistically have use for lawn then by all means have it.  I have even designed gardens with lawn just for that purpose but in this case no was using the existing lawn space.  

The design intent was (aside from removing the lawn) to have a California native plant palette, decomposed granite pathways with accents of flagstone, a round flagstone/DG seating area and an energy efficient irrigation and lighting system.  Other design features include two pilasters at the entry with a 4 feet wide decomposed granite path that was designed to mimic a sidewalk that did not previously exist.

A few of the plants we are using in this project are:

• Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn'
• Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'
• Cercis occidentalis
• Erigeron glaucus 'Bountiful'
• Salvia meulleri 

 In the end these homeowners are getting a garden that suits their every lifestyle, is within their budget and most importantly was professionally done in a reasonable time frame.  They did not have to do any work and were able to go about their normal day while someone else (me and the contractor) took care of it for them.

I you are interested in renovating your landscape but are not sure where to begin then I have an option for you (OC residents only).  It's really simple!  A complimentary landscape design consultation at your house to go over what your needs are and give you ideas on what is possible in your garden.  If you are interested then simply contact me and we can get rolling.

TURF REBATE DO'S AND DON'TS

If you are thinking about applying for any turf rebate program (via the municipal water district of O.C.) then I would suggest that you read this first before doing so.  I have had many clients participate in the program and have learned a thing or two about the participation process.

1. Check to see if your water agency is participating.  If they are not then I would call them up and question why they are not.  Better yet call me and I will light a fire for you.  
2. Be sure that the turf you have in fact will qualify.  It has to be living, mostly lush and green.  
3. Be honest in telling them how much turf you really have (your landscape designer should be able to tell you exactly what you have).  Don't bother making up a number, because they will come by and measure the area regardless of what you tell them.  
4. Read their guidelines carefully as they have restrictions on what you can and cannot do.  For example you cannot put any grass back in and must use permeable paving. 
5. Get a design done first and hire a contractor first before you submit the application.  Your deadline once approved is 60 days and they will require to see a design upon submital.  They will also ask whom you are hiring to do the work and may ask for the individuals license number.  You can tell whomever the contractor is that they cannot do any work until you are approved but once you are he/she can get rolling.  
6. Ask your landscape designer and landscape contractor to give you a receipt for their services.  You will be required to show them.  

If you are in need of a landscape designer to assist you in qualifying for the turf rebate program then do not hesitate to contact me and I will happy help you out.  

ROUNDUP = BAD NEWS

Some contractors will tell you that using roundup is great as it will kill the weeds and the grass.  Some home improvement stores will even offer this product free with purchase of something.  Monsanto and Scotts will no doubt promote this product and tell you that it's safe.  YES!!!  They will tell you that using this "glyphosate"  product is safe to breath.  As if using and breathing a toxic chemical is ever safe.  It's like using Clorox products to clean your home with.  Toxic?  Yes!  Safe?  HELL NO!!!  Not even close.

You may now be telling me that roundup is water soluble.  Well that is partially true.  Once it leaches into the soil then it is there to potentially harm any new plantings.  Yes it will and has.  Did I mention that it's toxic.  As in it's unsafe to breathe/ingest.  Have I scared you from using it?  If not then let me share this story with you.

I used to cough a lot (like a chronic annoyance).  I was certainly having respiratory issues and could not figure out why.   I eat healthy and workout often so then why was I having these issues?  After doing some internet research I decided to change the chemicals that I clean my house with and went from using toxic products to those that are earth friendly.  What a difference a simple change made.  I became convinced that these products were the root of the issue.  Roundup is much the same, made with chemicals that are so bad for you.

So now you are wondering what to do and if there are/is alternatives.  The simple answer is "VINEGAR".  You can use it as weed killer, grass killer and a killer of plant life.  It is not harmful to your health and I bet you cook with it from time to time.  A simple solution.  Now if only garden centers and contractors would get on board.

So here is my challenge to you the person who cares deeply about family well being.  A simple challenge to rid your home and landscape of toxic crap.  If you are just doing your landscape then advise your contractor NOT to use roundup and use vinegar instead.

SHE WENT LAWN LESS

Just as the title states a Huntington Beach, CA resident named Dori killed her lawn and had California native plants and other organic materials installed instead.  Her kids have fled the nest, she has no dogs and therefore has no use for the lawn.  She was also tired of wasting money to maintain it.  Dori happens to volunteer at the Golden West College native garden and one of the college instructors who designed and maintaines the garden was the mastermind behind Dori's front yard design.
What was once water sucking lawn is now a great habitat friendly, energy efficient garden that is pretty to look at.  At first glance it may look like there is not enough plants but this garden was planted for eventual plant growth.  The addition of a dry creek bed also helps.  Overall I was pleased with this garden and am looking forward to seeing it when the plants are more filled in.

A lawn less garden is very much possible in any home.  Now you may be thinking that well you have kids or a dog that may want a place to play.  On that note there are several lawn alternatives that are safe for dogs and kids to play in.  If you are interested in determining if a lawn less garden will work for you then do not hesitate to contact me and I would be happy to show you how it will work.  Such a garden will even increase your property value.

BYE BYE FOOTHILL RANCH LAWN

I love designing landscapes that are tailored at killing the lawn. I will agree that there are some instances involving kids or dogs where a small amount of lawn may be needed but otherwise it is useless (you are more than welcome to disagree). I was asked by a homeowner in Foothill Ranch, CA to create a design that would kill his lawn and replace it with native plants.

Currently the front and back yard have lawn and dirt. In the first concept (right picture) the plan is to refinish the existing concrete in both the front and back yard while adding some additional brick paving in the back to create a bigger outdoor entertaining space. In the second concept (left picture) the plan is to gut the entire project and start the paving from scratch with a completely new layout. The planting choices are a bit of ornamental CA native grasses as well as some fragrant natives to attract the local wildlife yet deter the rabbits (rabbits and gofers will stay away from fragrant plants). This client will also reap the rewards like my other clients by getting free money for killing their lawn.

If you are interested in killing your lawn and getting free money then do not hesitate to contact me and I would be happy to help you. It's that simple. I will update you next week on the final design. Stay tuned!

THE DOGS FRONT YARD

I am not a dog person (I have two cats) but when I was asked by my Huntington Beach client to design her front yard and yet make it friendly for her 3 dogs I was in. This was a challenge I was looking forward to solving. If you notice in the before picture there is lots of lawn and more lawn. Most of it will go far far away. In addition some of the existing features such as the gate and brick pilasters etc. (see photo) will remain in place. The existing concrete paths will also remain but will get a new coat of life through paint/stain. All of the existing plant material will be removed to make way for new sustainable CA native plants. There will be a little bit of grass area brought back in for the dogs to be able to play. The rickety overhead structure will be redone while new pottery and a fountain will add interest to the space. There will also be a new location for the existing decorative mailbox and the parkway will be filled with groundcovers that need little water and maintenance. This garden will be the talk of the town and the turf rebate program will be in full swing as my client gets ready to reap the financial rewards of having less lawn.

Now if you would like to reap some financial rewards from your landscape then contact me and I would be happy to help you increase your property value and get money back. Simply email me and we can get rolling on getting more green in your wallet. I am also making a special limited time offer just for you!

MY COSTA MESA CLIENT IS GETTING FREE $$$

I am not kidding you. Quite literally my Costa Mesa client who has 750 square feet of lawn is getting a $1 per sq. ft. for what he kills from the Municipal Water District of O.C. Applying and getting approved for him was really easy. He filled out the application, after he had hired me and a design was ready to be installed. A nice man from the Mesa Consolidated Water District of Costa Mesa came out to ensure that he indeed had lawn to kill. He was approved within a week and was given 60 day's to do something. From there once the project is complete that nice man (can't remember his name) will come out to make sure that my client in fact did something and then withing less than 90 day's my client will get a $750 check. How easy was that? Real money at the tip of your fingers. All you have to do is kill the water sucking lawn. I should mention that you cannot replace the lawn with more lawn or synthetic lawn. The point of the rebate is to convince you to plant drought tolerant plants. Better yet "go native" and save even more money.

As you can see in the before picture above there is lawn and dirt. The existing tree per city guidelines must remain and the existing driveway/entry is in really good condition but everything else is going far far away. Currently the hardscape has been layout and boulders have been placed. The plants have been ordered and should be planted this week.

ONLY A BIT OF LAWN

I am usually the one that advocated lawn less gardens but in this particular case with my San Juan Capistrano client it was necessary to have a bit of lawn. She has a dog and wanted a soft surface for the dog to run around in. Luckily the lawn is existing and only a bit of it will remain while the rest will go bye bye. As you will see in the legend there are some existing plants that are being kept with an area of lawn that is also remaining in the back yard. The new plants will be a mixture of 95% California native and 5% non native.

Currently this garden is being bid and if all goes well then by the end of the this month there should be significant progress. I will keep you updated with several blog posts. What excites me the most about designing landscapes is making the clients dream come true. The dream of having an outdoor space to relax and enjoy. A space that suits their every lifestyle. Inexpensive, sustainable, earth friendly and organic is the only way to go in this harsh economic times. It's not just about having a functional garden anymore. It's also about reducing your energy bills while increasing your property value. Below are pictures of some proposed plants.





The left image is of Ceanothus concha while the right is of Heuchera hybrids and the center is Electric Blue Sage.

I LOVE KILLING LAWNS

Let's face it, lawns are a waste of space, water and money. If you absolutely have use for an area of lawn then that is one thing but typically people don't. Think about it! Just because your neighbor has lawn does not mean that you have to. You could however become the neighborhood trend setter. You know that person that actually cares about the environment and their wallet. Having said all of this I would like to show you pictures of my clients (Fountain Valley, CA) project that is currently (as I type) being planted.

As you can see in the picture above there is nothing but lawn, lawn and more lawn. It was doing nothing for the homeowner, so we killed the lawn and are planting with California native plants that don't need much water, don't need a lot of maintenance and will not only reduce the homeowners water bill but also significantly increase their property value.

The hardscape is a mixture of flagstone in brown tones and gravel in brown tones. The architecture is painted in a light beige color with chocolate accents. The plants on the other hand are colorful.

The plant palette is...
Lance Leafed Dudleya
Hasse's Dudleya
Chalk Dudleya
Monkey Flower
Foothill Penstemon
Red and White Autumn Sage
California Fuchsia
Howard Mcminn Manzanita
Dark Star Ceanothus
Ilex (cannot recall variety)
Emerald Carpet Manzanita
Dimondia

The Ilex and the Dimondia are California friendly while the rest are natives. When the plants fill in it will looks beautiful and create an awesome wildlife habitat. The local birds, butterflies and hummingbirds are going to write me a thank you letter. ;-)

This project was designed by me and installed by Living Landscapes. You are more than welcome to contact me and I will happily meet you complimentary for an hour to discuss how we (me and you) can reduce your water bill, while increasing your property value without denting your wallet.

MAY I KILL YOUR LAWN?

In August of 2009 I was contacted by a homeowner wanting to kill her lawn and asking me for assistance. I informed her that while I am not a licensed contractor, that I would however create professional (reasonably priced) landscape drawings that would show a beautiful lawn free garden. Her frontyard, backyard and sideyard are now lawn free which have not only reduced her water bill but also increased her property value.

If you are a homeowner and wondering hey how can I reduce my water bill (consumption) and how can I increase my property value then you are reading in the write place. I would be happy to show you via landscape drawings that show what you can do instead of that water guzzling lawn you may already have. If you think that you will pay an arm and a leg you won't. In fact what you will get is a professional who will do the work for you so you can get busy living and enjoying life.

If you would like to know how much you should expect to pay for landscape design services then click here.

You should also consider this landscape design checklist to help you figure out what you would like to do in your yard.

Below are some pics from the clients project I mentioned above... (click on any to zoom in)

frontyard

frontyard

sideyard 2


sideyard 1

sideyard 1

backyard

backyard