I've been hearing from clients about new water restrictions cities are implementing to deal with California's water crisis. In some cases, cities plan to cut homeowner's water supply by 50%.
This week's guest on the Gardenerd Tip of the Week Podcast is Nan Sterman, the host of A Growing Passion and author of the new garden design book, Hot Color, Dry Garden: Inspiring Designs and Vibrant Plants for the Waterwise Gardener. Nan shares her best design tips and ideas for a colorful low-water garden. Nan is also a passionate vegetable gardener, so we talk about her hoop house that protects her garden beds from critters. You'll hear ideas for your…
Our latest YouTube video features an interview with David Hertz of SkySource. We explore how a machine can make water from air, and how the device is being used in drought-stricken areas to keep gardens and trees alive. This video is part of a new endeavor for 2017: the Acknowledgment Series. People doing good work in the world deserve to be acknowledged for their efforts and we've set out to do that. Check out David's innovative solution to the drought…
It's time to highlight another turf removal project we've just completed. This one is primarily non-edible, but we were excited to transform another front lawn into a water catchment basin, and make it a home for native and drought-tolerant plants. The family wanted colorful plants that gave them a little privacy while taking advantage of the city's rebate program, which covered the cost of plants and hardscape materials. Let's take a look: Before The homeowner wanted a path next to…
Water, water, everywhere...well, not so much anymore. States like California and Texas are suffering severe drought conditions and gardeners are rising to the occasion by swapping out thirsty lawns for drought tolerant plant material. A new phrase, "drought shaming" is making the rounds--ratting on neighbors who water between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., let their irrigation run down the sidewalk, or wash their cars in the street or driveway. I fully admit I'm one of those tattlers. I've got the…
Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency as California has yet another year of lower than average rainfall. In the case of 2013-2014, almost none. Not only is rainfall at an all-time low, temperatures have been at an all-time high. (Excuse me, 80° in January?) Is this just a new drought, or is it the new normal? There's no way to know for sure, but we all need to prepare for having less access to water. What can we do…