Argia Designs

Landscape Design and Consultation

Be Water Tight!

Did You Know?

"Up to 70% of our potable water in Southern California goes toward landscape use" (LA-DWP).

Southern California, with it's Hollywood image of palm trees and lush landscapes is far from a tropical paradise. While we aren't necessarily a desert (at least not on this side of the mountains) we are living in an arid climate with a low annual rainfall that requires us to pump the majority of our water from hundreds of miles away.

The reality of our water crisis is quickly becoming apparent and our wasteful landscape practices are finally coming under review. Tons of gallons of water, pesticides, and fertilizers are dumped onto our landscapes annually just to keep plants alive that are not meant to grow in our climate. Not only do these landscapes waste incredible amounts of potable water but they also contribute to runoff pollution by dumping fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides into our watersheds and ocean.

The good news is that drought tolerant landscapes need not be the barren gravel landscapes of the past. They can be filled with lush, drought tolerant flowering shrubs and trees that not only save water but require no fertilizers or other chemicals to survive.

A few other well designed details such as water cachement, a birdbath, and some artistic elements and a boring lawn becomes a wonderful habitat providing food for wildlife, reducing runoff pollution, and creating a wonderful environment for children and adults alike to enjoy the outdoors!

A well designed landscape can increase the value of your home by up to 20% (www.landscapeamerica.com)

Up to 70% of our potable water in Southern California goes toward landscape use (LA-DPW)

Native and drought tolerant gardens use up to 75% less water than lawns and other water intensive landscapes.

California's Model Landscape Ordinance will require commercial and residential properties to cut back on water, renovate irrigation systems, and install drought tolerant plantings starting in the next several years (www.owue.water.ca.gov)

Simply retrofitting your existing irrigation system to a low-flow and/or weather sensor controlled system can reduce water use by 30% or more.

Installing a water cachement system such as rain barrels or an underground cistern can increase your water savings substantially as well as reduce runoff pollution from your garden.

Homeowners in the US alone use over 60 million pounds of chemicals and spend over $15 billion annually in lawn care (www.endangeredspecieshandbook.org)