Monthly Archives: September 2015

Is Native Enough? (2/2)

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4 Ways to Save Water and Improve Plant Health with Smart Irrigation

 

When it comes to plant choice, not only is going native enough, it is the most broadly beneficial option. That said, plant choice is just one part of an integrative landscaping process.  Native plants are adapted to low water, but most of our water delivery systems are not.  Without adapting our choice of irrigation, water savings will not be captured, and natives will fail to thrive.

To optimize water savings and ensure native plants thrive, it is critical we also consider irrigation infrastructure and management.  Raul W. Gonzalez, vice president of landscape industry relations with Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply, notes 4 ways to ensure your irrigation helps instead of hinders your water-saving success:

 

1 – Improve sprinkler performance: Do you have brown spots, overspray or runoff?  Irregularities in your water bill?  All of these are signs that settings in your water delivery system are not optimal.  Look to ensure the system is properly pressurized, that nozzles are correctly adjusted, and that the schedule is optimal for your garden.  These irrigation system components should be inspected and adapted monthly, if not more frequently.

2 – Know your soil profile:  Sand requires faster water application rates than loam or clay.  Knowing your existing soil and working to improve its water retention by applying mulch is a simple, DIY way to generate water savings without sacrificing the needs of your foliage.

3 – Manage irrigation control: Check with the California Irrigation Management Information System to determine peak watering periods for the month, and know the regulations related to watering in your community.  It will likely require multiple schedules to protect slopes and meet requirements.  Overhead spray delivers water the fastest and, therefore, run times should be limited to 4-7 minutes
and then repeated.  This allows the soil time to adequately absorb the water.  This strategy is
especially effective on traditional lawns and slopes.

4 – Install drip irrigation: Both Ewing and FormLA Landscaping recommend Netafim subsurface, low flow drip irrigation.  By applying just the right amount of water direct to roots, it helps plants establish drought tolerance and minimizes the chances of waste through evaporation and runoff.  It is worth checking your local codes – drip irrigation is exempt from many municipal water restrictions.  One caveat: drip should be installed by a professional.

2011 Pasadena Showcase House

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The path to the pool delivers a subtle "crunch" sound to reward each step.

The path to the pool delivers a subtle “crunch” sound to reward each step.

A slope is made enchanting and safe with shallow, long steps bordered by evergreen sentinels.

A slope is made enchanting and safe with shallow, long steps bordered by evergreen sentinels.

The checkerboard path of pavers and gravel calls to mind a game of croquet played by mushrooms or chess with human pawns.

The checkerboard path of pavers and gravel calls to mind a game of croquet played by mushrooms or chess with human pawns.

Touches of whimsey dot the landscape.

Touches of whimsey dot the landscape.

The Wanderland Tea Garden designed by FormLA sits on a once grassy slope between the home and the pool.

The Wanderland Tea Garden designed by FormLA sits on a once grassy slope between the home and the pool.

While pools have a habit of transfixing, the view toward the home is every bit as breathtaking.

While pools have a habit of transfixing, the view toward the home is every bit as breathtaking.

A quirky, gnarled wood bench and low rock retaining wall offer restful seats with views of the pool amidst the dancing foliage.

A quirky, gnarled wood bench and low rock retaining wall offer restful seats with views of the pool amidst the dancing foliage.

Toward the pool, the colors of blue and green are vibrant yet serene.

Toward the pool, the colors of blue and green are vibrant yet serene.

Within the garden, a variety of bright colored blooms dance vivaciously.

Within the garden, a variety of bright colored blooms dance vivaciously.

At the end of the day, there is a perfect place for tea with the mad hatter… Or friends and family, if you prefer.

At the end of the day, there is a perfect place for tea with the mad hatter… Or friends and family, if you prefer.

From the living room's bay window, the garden entices a stroll and relaxed enjoyment of the shade, views, and verdure surrounding a grand Pasadena oak tree.

From the living room’s bay window, the garden entices a stroll and relaxed enjoyment of the shade, views, and verdure surrounding a grand Pasadena oak tree.

The La Canada English Manor selected for the 2011 Pasadena Showcase House of Design was designed by Paul Williams, the same LA-architect responsible for the theme restaurant building at the center of LAX, the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the homes of Carry Grant and Frank Sinatra, among other celebrities.

The La Canada English Manor selected for the 2011 Pasadena Showcase House of Design was designed by Paul Williams, the same LA-architect responsible for the theme restaurant building at the center of LAX, the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the homes of Carry Grant and Frank Sinatra, among other celebrities.

Visit the Showcase Wanderland Tea Garden

While the Showcase House enjoyed its busiest weekend and final hurrah, you can still get lost in the mimsy of The FormLA Wanderland Tea Garden! We transformed the expansive but unremarkable lawn at this historically-significant English Manor style home into a delightful entreaty to a stroll.