Turf Replacement Rebates

A regularly updated List of Water Department Rebate offerings for lawn replacement across metropolitan California. Plus FAQ's

California's BEST Ornamental Grasses

Citrus Quarantines

Why it's hard to get citrus in Southern California & what to plant instead.

Sheet Mulching FAQ

From recyclables to fecundity in one long weekend.

Design Tips

13 Great California Natives for Xeric Landscaping

In Northern and Central / Coastal California there's SO many great plants you can grow without irrigation. It's not easy, and it may take some trial and error, but be...

Container Gardening On Decks: A Natural Way To Expand Your Landscape

Container gardening is a gratifying way to bring nature to your deck. But elevating your outdoor space while paying attention to California’s unique environmental concerns requires thoughtful consideration. Here are...

Ultimate Guide to Drought-Tolerant Hedging

Creating a comforting level of privacy is always one of the first priorities as a landscape designer. A yard should feel welcoming without being overly exposed. And living forms like hedges can...

How to Attract Beneficial Predatory Insects & Pollinators to your Garden

Planting a diversity of plants is important for the health of your garden. Whether you're looking to ensure your little orchard sets fruit or you want to keep pests away...

Easy Rain Garden DIY

Catch the next storm surge with this quick at-home rainwater harvesting feature. All you need is a shovel, some random gravel or rocks - hey! even broken concrete or bricks...

How to make a Natural-Looking Dry Streambed - Rainwater Harvesting Feature Tutorial

There is nothing I enjoy more than replicating the natural curves and flow of a streambed in the garden. Maybe it's the Japenese garden lover in me or maybe it's...