California landscaping is... well, different. Having lived in several states in the eastern half of the country, I was not prepared for the dramatic differences in plant species, seasons or water situations when we moved to California. And it appears I'm not alone.
California, having a very long southern to northern body is as diverse as ... well, most of the eastern seaboard states combined. That covers a LOT of habitat diversity!
California has deserts, semi-deserts, foothills, mountains, coasts, and dense urban habitats that have been radically altered from natural landforms.
Landscaping in California is about water conservation more than it' about a green lawn. At least it is to most native Californians who understand that we get no rain ... I mean ABSOUTELY NO RAIN for NINE MONTHS every year. That's different!
Okay...so that's Southern California. Like I said, our southern to northern diversity is mind boggling!
Sustainable landscaping is important in California no matter where you live. It's even more important here than many other states because of our unique geography, our dense populations along the coasts, our high agricultural influences, and yes, our high tourism appeal.
California looks like a tropical paradise in some areas...but we're not. We're a desert. We're one of the Western states...with lots of sand, hot winds, droughts, cacti, rattlesnakes and of course, floods, fires and landslides! Those wildfires are a major contributor to California's unique necessities in landscaping.
Even urban sprawl has added the need for water conservation. Native plants and low-water requirements of plantings and hardscapes are helpful when your neighborhood is threatened with wildfires and the fire department needs water pressure ... and an ample supply of water for disaster prevention.
Native plant societies do their best to spread the word about alternatives that are more suited to our climate and wildlife and seasonal uniqueness, but most new residents don't even take the time to learn what is different here. They just go to a big box store and stock up on the plants they know how to tend. And those plants frequently last about as long as it takes for water to seep through 90% sand soils!
Here's one resource for landscape professionals -- who can be as challenged as anyone to keep pace with climate change and regulations and client demands.
Learn to GREENoVATE!
California, having a very long southern to northern body is as diverse as ... well, most of the eastern seaboard states combined. That covers a LOT of habitat diversity!
California has deserts, semi-deserts, foothills, mountains, coasts, and dense urban habitats that have been radically altered from natural landforms.
Landscaping in California is about water conservation more than it' about a green lawn. At least it is to most native Californians who understand that we get no rain ... I mean ABSOUTELY NO RAIN for NINE MONTHS every year. That's different!
Okay...so that's Southern California. Like I said, our southern to northern diversity is mind boggling!
Sustainable landscaping is important in California no matter where you live. It's even more important here than many other states because of our unique geography, our dense populations along the coasts, our high agricultural influences, and yes, our high tourism appeal.
California looks like a tropical paradise in some areas...but we're not. We're a desert. We're one of the Western states...with lots of sand, hot winds, droughts, cacti, rattlesnakes and of course, floods, fires and landslides! Those wildfires are a major contributor to California's unique necessities in landscaping.
Even urban sprawl has added the need for water conservation. Native plants and low-water requirements of plantings and hardscapes are helpful when your neighborhood is threatened with wildfires and the fire department needs water pressure ... and an ample supply of water for disaster prevention.
Native plant societies do their best to spread the word about alternatives that are more suited to our climate and wildlife and seasonal uniqueness, but most new residents don't even take the time to learn what is different here. They just go to a big box store and stock up on the plants they know how to tend. And those plants frequently last about as long as it takes for water to seep through 90% sand soils!
Here's one resource for landscape professionals -- who can be as challenged as anyone to keep pace with climate change and regulations and client demands.
CLCA 'Greenovate' Your Yard Tip of the Week
With the threat of global warming looming on the Earth's horizon, eco-friendly ideas have once again revitalized the "green" movement. Going "green" is not only a state objective, but meets local policy mandates for healthy communities. One place you can begin to go green is by starting in your own yard. There are some simple changes you can make that will not only benefit the planet, but will also save you money as well. Here is one way that a CLCA licensed contractor can help you "greenovate" your yard. Check back weekly for a new tip in the series.Learn to GREENoVATE!
