ph: 760.420.2411
argiadez
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!
Water Districts and Rebates:
Metropolitan Water District SoCal Water Smart Rebate Program:
http://socalwatersmart.com/index.php
Organizations and Non-Profits:
California Native Plant Society-San Diego Chapter
Surfrider Foundation-Ocean Friendly Gardens
National Wildlife Federation- Backyard Habitat Programhttp://www.nwf.org/backyard/index.cfm
http://www.nwf.org/backyard/index.cfm
Lake Hodges Native Plant Club
Native Plant Nurseries:
Las Pilitas Native Plant Nursery
Tree of Life Nursery
Moosa Creek Nursery
RECON Native Plants- Wholesale/Restoration
Contractors:
California's Own Native Landscape Design
Seco Landscapes
Stone and other resources:
KRC Rock
Southwest Boulder & Stone
Courtyard Pottery- Solana Beach
The Madd Potter- Pottery and Fountains
POT-TED- Pottery and Fountains- Los Angeles
Informational websites:
Low Impact Living
Association of Professional Landscape Designers
The Mulch- Garden Forum
ph: 760.420.2411
argiadez