Hey California, You Can Still Have a Lawn!

Los Angeles Times.  July 23, 2015.  By Janet Kinosian:  The poor traditional Southern California lawn. Our flat green grass turfs have been beaten up and bullied with calls to replace them.  But how many people know there are numerous drought-tolerant grass species well suited for the Southern California climate that still have the general look and feel of lawn as we know it?

2010-11 Native Garden Tour

A decomposed granite patio with a full view of the property provides a reward to those who travel a winding path through native foliage to reach the top of the backyard slope.

A decomposed granite patio with a full view of the property provides a reward to those who travel a winding path through native foliage to reach the top of the backyard slope.

The striking copper waterfall, integrated into the retaining wall, enlivens the view from the indoor dining and living rooms, while adding a focal point, lively sound and movement to the outdoorspace.

The striking copper waterfall, integrated into the retaining wall, enlivens the view from the indoor dining and living rooms, while adding a focal point, lively sound and movement to the outdoorspace.

Just inside an epi-wood gate designed to match the California contemporary home, the plush and warmly lit seating area enjoys a view of the fire pit.

Just inside an epi-wood gate designed to match the California contemporary home, the plush and warmly lit seating area enjoys a view of the fire pit.

This FormLA® IdealMow™ Lawn retains a steep front slope, stays vibrantly green with 50 percent less water than a traditional lawn, and needs no chemical fertilizers or pesticides to thrive.

This FormLA® IdealMow™ Lawn retains a steep front slope, stays vibrantly green with 50 percent less water than a traditional lawn, and needs no chemical fertilizers or pesticides to thrive.

An insta-hot shower hides within an epi-wood fence, part of a much broader retaining wall holding a broad and steep slope.

An insta-hot shower hides within an epi-wood fence, part of a much broader retaining wall holding a broad and steep slope.

Long, elegant, permeable concrete slaps and ledger stone retaining wall unify the spa area with outdoor kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

Long, elegant, permeable concrete slaps and ledger stone retaining wall unify the spa area with outdoor kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

One of 10 distinct seating areas on the property, this cozy nook greets visitors.

One of 10 distinct seating areas on the property, this cozy nook greets visitors.

Another FormLA® designed and built custom bench ensures no one need reach too far to get dry.

Another FormLA® designed and built custom bench ensures no one need reach too far to get dry.

The saltwater spool overlooks city lights, as well as the Verdugo Mountain range.

The saltwater spool overlooks city lights, as well as the Verdugo Mountain range.

An insta-hot shower hides within an epi-wood fence, part of a much broader retaining wall holding a broad and steep slope.

An insta-hot shower hides within an epi-wood fence, part of a much broader retaining wall holding a broad and steep slope.

A custom-made bench, surrounded by fragrant native plants, permeable mulch and criba, overlooks the Verdugo Mountains.

A custom-made bench, surrounded by fragrant native plants, permeable mulch and criba, overlooks the Verdugo Mountains.

The outdoor wine cellar, also integrated into the slope and retaining wall, naturally holds its cool.

The outdoor wine cellar, also integrated into the slope and retaining wall, naturally holds its cool.