Design Build Sustain

 
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VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

Of course we should save water, but Angelenos can do so much more than that.

Much of LA could achieve water independence, taking pressure off the areas that must depend upon state and Colorado River water sources. To get there, we need to think more about sinking water.

What does that look like? It looks like transforming not just lawns, but gravelscapes, synthetic turf, driveways, and roadsides. It looks like pulling up pavement and “planting” bioswales alongside native foliage – as Eric Crow accomplished at The Forbes Mountain Retreat.

On a larger scale, it means working together to address drought, fire, flood – our full climate cycle – as we address any given “natural” emergency. It may take a little work, but we know we can accomplish big things when we dig in with you!

Sincerely,

Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

Gardens will be challenged by another summer of drought, yet we can use the emergency to light our way toward greater resilience.

 

Annie Thornton, Houzz: Planting a tree is a big investment in your landscape — but one that can have large payoffs, from beautifying your yard and enhancing curb appeal to shading your home and helping cut energy use.

With the 10 native trees profiled here, the benefits are even greater. See More

 
 

By Eric Crow: Drought restrictions were announced just after the 2022 Native Plant Garden Tour, so water use was top of mind as I caught up with tour hosts Doug and Claudia Forbes. Read Q&A 
 
 

By Eric Crow: Featured as Garden 15 on the 2022 Native Plant Garden Tour, the Forbes Mountain Retreat provides an abundance of hillside habitat, including rare chaparral native foliage.

Beyond its native plant palette, additional strategies make the Retreat a powerfully water positive property. It actively slows, spreads and sinks stormwater to refuel LA’s groundwater. Take the Tour

 
 

SUSTAINABLE TIPS+

Water use restrictions are a challenge, but California native plant gardens are well positioned for it.

 

By Oscar Ortega: What do the new water restrictions mean for a California native garden with smart irrigation? Is it possible to save even more water? Get Answers

In many municipalities, we still have a chance to shape how restricted water goals are implemented and enforced. We’ve shared our position as well as tips for effective engagement. Get Tips

 

 

May 2022

LATEST NEWS+

Protect Native Trees
Learn from the Forbes
Tour the Forbes Retreat

UPCOMING EVENTS+

MyGBCE: Think Home First

SUSTAINABLE TIPS+

Save (Even) More Water

TEAM UPDATE+

Thank You Forbes, Rabinov, and Weiss Lindberg Families

UPCOMING EVENTS+

My Green Building Conference – Today!

 

TEAM UPDATE+

We couldn’t be more grateful to all our partners and friends who helped make this an incredible tour season.

 

 

Thank you to the Forbes, Rabinovs and Weiss-Lindbergs for generously opening your gardens and answering an abundance of smart questions during the most well-attended Native Plant Garden Tour in its more than 50-year history.

 

Thank you to our docents Christine, Laura, Lynne and Wendy for savvy support of our gardens and hosts, as well as Theodore Payne Foundation’s Brenda Kyle for briefing and assigning them.

Thank you to Theodore Payne Foundation’s Evan Myer and Marie Gonzales for native-promoting press outreach and collection-worthy “tickets.” Thank you to Erin Johnson for her steadfast, timely, and uplifting support throughout tour preparations.

 

Thank you to lead designer Isara Ongwiseth and maintenance care manager JT Wilkinson for working through the weekend to share your expertise and smiles with tour goers.

 

Thank you to everyone who joined and delighted us!

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