December 2011 Newsletter

FormLA Newsletter

VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

As we head toward the New Year, a new challenge has reignited our passion for sustainable innovation! While we always look to integrate LEED® standards and WELO requirements in our custom landscapes, we were reminded that even leading edge environmental legislation and standards are just baselines. Innovation is still necessary.

Those of you who follow us through Twitter, Facebook and our newsletter are accustomed to getting tips for creating healthier, more sustainable outdoor spaces. We are excited to say, we’ll be evolving our strategies and providing fresh insights this year.

We’d also like to challenge you to join the conversation – challenge us, reinvigorate us with your insights! By perpetually pushing one another to try new approaches, we can make each New Year better than the last.

Thank you for your friendship and your inspiration – Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

Discover Fire for the Holidays!
Garden Portfolio: While California native foliage thrives during the holidays, Angelinos accustomed to higher temperatures often retreat to the warmth of our homes around this time of year.Fire pits, fireplaces and artful fire features not only provide visual focal points and natural gathering spaces, they ensure your outdoor space welcomes visitors year round. Visit
Use Fire Safely and Sustainably
Tips: Fire has a powerful ability to bring out the best in people, inspiring us to gather and enjoy… it is also simply powerful. To ensure your fire feature is a safe, healthy addition to your landscape and community, check out our tips for keeping it at its best. Read
See FormLA in Dwell Magazine
We were tickled to see the FormLA booth and FormLA-built Dwell Outdoor featured in both the November issue of Dwell Magazine and in the Dwell on Design 2012 promotional video. Watch Video

WHAT TO EXPECT+

December is the BEST TIME to plant, and a great time to spread cheer! If you are a FormLA client, expect us to be:

  • Leaving a little joy, designed to bring a little whimsey to your garden long after 2012 begins
  • Installing Christmas lights, upon request
  • Planting bare-root roses – maintenance teams can play matchmaker, helping people select just the right varieties
  • Dividing established plants
  • Cutting back established natives
  • Cutting grasses to the ground
  • Removing weeds and mulching
  • Removing leaves as Sycamores and other deciduous trees lose the last of their fall color
  • Pruning conifers and deep feeding of citrus trees
  • Continuing to reduce irrigation and adjust timers to account for seasonal rains
  • Continuing to clean gutters and checking graywater, cisterns and other catchment systems for optimal rain readiness

LATEST NEWS+

Fire Portfolio
Sustainable Fire Tips
FormLA in Dwell

UPCOMING EVENTS+

Save the Dates
Request FormLA Speakers

WHAT TO EXPECT+

Gifts!
Deep Pruning
Preparation for Rains

TEAM UPDATE+

Maintenance Workshop
Toluca Garden Club
TPF at Catalina
USGBC Gala
Showcase Garden

UPCOMING EVENTS+

Save the Dates
Request FormLA Speakers

For the 8th year, FormLA Landscaping has been awarded a garden at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. See you in April!

This winter, FormLA Landscaping will install the Chillean-native drought tolerant demonstration garden at the Gardens of the World, La Canada County Library.

TEAM UPDATE+

Green Gala U.S. Green Building Council’s “Branching Out” Green Gala décor included tabletop and stage-framing FormLA® container gardens. Thank you to Gainey Ceramics and El Nativo Growers for donations that made both the container gardens and the gala memorable. We were delighted to see so many happy guests hugging their new potted plant gift as they were leaving the event!!

Record turn out at the La Cañada Public Library maintenance workshop provided the Gardens of the World with what they need to stay lovely throughout the winter.

Toluca Lake Garden Club hosted a presentation by Cassy Aoyagi. A lively discussion covered a wide variety of topics from lawn replacement to sustainable maintenance strategies.

Catalina Island A huge thank you to the Theodore Payne Foundation for organizing an eye opening trip to Catalina Island for staff and donors. The lead Biologist for the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy was absolutely inspirational, and his unique approach to communicating with stakeholders and to restoring habitat on the island truly resonated.

The trip was an important reminder to think about our earth, the balance, and how we impact it with each small decision. No matter what the issue, there is common ground. Given patience, time and perseverance we all can play a role in building both a strong economy and restoring the balance of nature to a sustainable level.

About FormLA Landscaping+

FormLA® Landscaping designs, builds and maintains custom sustainable landscapes that beautifully complement the distinct and varied architecture of Los Angeles County. See our expanding Portfolio.

CONTACT FORMLA+

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

Mark Britten, Production Manager: Mark@formlainc.com

John Avakian, Bookkeeping: John@formlainc.com

Cara Barnard, Horticultural Care Technician: Cara@formlainc.com

USGBC FormLA on Facebook

 

info@formlainc.com • PO Box 441 Tujunga, CA 91043
phone 818.353.7030 • 310.979.9002 • fax 818.353.6837 • www.formlainc.com
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