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.

Design Tips

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...

August 2024Briana Lyon

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...

February 2024Briana Lyon

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...

January 2024Briana Lyon

California Fall - How to Plant the Season in your Garden

This time of year is all about letting go. Of a hot busy summer. Of the goals we set aside this year and the ones we blew out of the water (nice work!)....

November 2023Briana Lyon

5 Free Waterwise Landscape Designs for your Frontyard - the Sierra Madre Greener Yards Project

5 new rebate-qualifying plant palettes each with 2 different front yard layouts. And all kinds of options. Native feature lawn or no lawn at all. Color choices and plant ordering...

June 2023Briana Lyon

Q&A: Dwarf Carpet of Stars vs. Frogfruit Groundcover (Phyla Nodiflora)

Hi, I am looking at the Kurupia but was also looking at Dwarf Carpet of Stars, Ruschia lineolata 'Nana'. Can you explain the difference and climate preference?

October 2022Briana Lyon