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

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...

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!)....

5 Free Waterwise Landscape Designs for your California Front Yard

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. Featuring full size plants...

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?