Landscaping in a Time of Drought

InsideHook.  September 19, 2014.  By Reuben Brody:  Newsflash: we’re in a drought. You’ve probably heard. Here’s another newsflash: as long as SoCal imports its water, we’ll always have supply issues. Always. Especially when 40-60% of it goes to keeping non-native lawns lush.

So in the spirit of doing ourselves and our progeny a solid, we bring you Landscaping in the Time of Drought, a guide to maintaining a stunning, waterwise lawn.

Mostly, this is done by planting native plants. The good news: Southern California has beautiful native plants. Grasses even.

Also: better irrigation technologies. Most irrigation systems lose water to the wind and end up in the storm drain — not on your fescue.  Read More

Water-Wise Fall Planting

 

Los Angeles Times, September 12, 2014. By Lisa Boone:  How to tackle fall planting in Southern California during the third straight year of drought and the diminishing likelihood of El Niño storms this winter? At the very least, Los Angeles gardening experts agree that planting in the fall is water-wise as new plants require less irrigation due to the cooler weather and will be well established by next summer.  Here, we share their tips for fall: Read More

La Canada Valley Beautiful Award Winner, Autumn

white sage

Kay for LA Times

September 2014 Newsletter

FormLA Newsletter

VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

So far what happened in Vegas has stayed in Vegas! LA residents have proactively worked to secure our water future, stripping 5 million square feet of turf grass without Vegas-style mandates. What comes next? LA’s first urban fruit trail, IdealMow playspaces, vibrant butterfly gardens… When LA strips, it’s a beautiful story worth telling. Let’s get loud!

Sincerely,
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

Walk Fruitfully
Gallery: Walk the first urban fruit trail in Los Angeles with Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Fallen Fruit, and FormLA Landscaping. HOLA youth inspired this MacArthur Park project that brings free nourishment, hope and beauty to the community. View Gallery
Secure Our Water Future
Tips: You all know your commitment to sustainable landscaping is saving Los Angeles. KPCC and Milken Institute recently hosted an all-star panel of water experts that drove home the alternatives to smart landscaping choices – they may be more dramatic than you think! Read and View
Snatch a Snack
Wet-to-Dry: Whether you are looking for a way to cover a fence or a solid way to complement a cheese plate, there is a drought tolerant way to go grape. Read More

WHAT TO EXPECT+

Fall presents new opportunities to beautify, build and enjoy sustainable gardens. In September, we will:

Feed You and Your Garden:

  • Harvest fresh herbs and veggies from home gardens for fantastic fall meals
  • Identify garden areas to fill-in with fall planting
  • Evaluate the fall and winter pruning needs of trees
  • Prune California natives that have completed their cycle of growth for the year, allowing them to rejuvenate

Protecting Garden Beauty from Drought:

  • Set irrigation systems to water less often and more deeply to help existing landscapes establish tolerance to drought conditions
  • Eliminate run-off, overspray and leaks
  • Watch for expected new rebates and other sustainable landscaping incentives offered by water districts and municipalities throughout L.A. County

 

LATEST NEWS+

Walk Fruitfully
Secure Our Water Future
Snatch a Snack

UPCOMING EVENTS+

Drought Tolerant Maintenance Workshop
Be Water Wise at the Thursday Club
Theodore Payne Foundation Gathering of Friends

WHAT TO EXPECT+

Feed You and Your Garden
Protecting Garden Beauty from Drought

TEAM UPDATE+

FormLA and HOLA

UPCOMING EVENTS+

October 10-18: Native Plant Sale

October 18: Drought Tolerant Maintenance Workshop


October 26
: Be Water Wise at the Thursday Club

November 7: Theodore Payne Foundation Gathering of Friends

Save the Dates
Request FormLA Speakers

TEAM UPDATE+

FormLA Landscaping teams joined HOLA youth in replanting fruit trees vandalized on the urban fruit trail in MacArthur Park. Thank you gentlemen!

Read More about the Urban Fruit Trail Project.

About FormLA Landscaping+

FormLA® Landscaping is transforming Los Angeles, one beautiful, sustainable landscape at a time. Learn more about sustainable landscaping in our Resource Center, see vibrant landscapes in our Project Gallery, or check our Events page to tour our work and meet the FormLA Team. We look forward to connecting with you!

CONTACT FORMLA+

Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi, Principals: Cassy@formlainc.com

Mark Britten, Production Manager: Mark@formlainc.com

John Avakian, Bookkeeping: John@formlainc.com

Ed Woodbury and Sergio Cusner, Maintenance and Horticultural Team Leaders: Ed@formlainc.com and Sergio@formlainc.com

USGBC FormLA on Facebook

 

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phone 818.353.7030 • 310.979.9002 • fax 818.353.6837 • www.formlainc.com
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