February 2014 Newsletter

FormLA Newsletter

VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

How far can a million dollars go? We’re guessing that you’ve already travelled the full distance! By choosing a California aesthetic – in some cases literally leading your full neighborhood or circle of friends to water (wise gardens)– you’ve provided a valuable service to our community. As Governor Brown announced a million in funding for a Save Our Water campaign alongside other drought-relief measures, it gave us an extra dose of gratitude for your courage, leadership and support.

Sincerely,
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

3 Water-Wise Ways to Sustain Roses
Gallery/Tips: Many non-native species from roses to Birds of Paradise hold romanticized positions within California landscapes. While the current drought will press these plants harder than it does our hearty natives, we have strong strategies for sustainably integrating “traditional” foliage into sustainable gardens.
Read More
Balance Science and Design
Dwell on Design Blog: Sarah Amandolare questions Cassy Aoyagi about the balance between the science of sustainability and the demands of design in creating optimal landscapes. Read More
Play Smart with Sub-Shrubs
Wet-to-Dry: Like a skilled point guard, mid-height subs and sub-shrubs do much more than fill space. When effectively placed, they make the difference between a brilliant play and a show stopping dunk attempt that fails to score any points. Cistus and Mimulus are both at play in California gardens… find out which one scores the most points for sustainability. Read MorePlease Note: Last month’s piece on fire fighting foliage, as well as the BeWaterWise page we sourced, have been updated per the request of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Read More

WHAT TO EXPECT+

Last month, we assessed gardens as we would for the fall – balancing desires for a compelling aesthetic with the need to ensure homes are optimally safe from fire after a dry rainy season. In March, we optimize water delivery systems and continue monitoring foliage growth.

Conserving Water and Soil Moisture:

  • Replenishing mulch to conserve water and increase organic matter Increasing mower heights to reduce evaporation from lawns
  • Changing batteries on irrigation timers
  • Pushing the clocks forward on irrigation and lighting timers
  • Pruning Mediterranean foliage

Getting Ready for a Dry Year:

  • Exchanging wet for dry-loving plants
  • Replenishing mulch in flower beds
  • Ensuring foliage growth allows for defensible space from fire
  • Replacing thirsty traditional grasses with IdealMow lawn alternatives

LATEST NEWS+

3 Water-Wise Ways to Sustain Roses
Balance Science and Design
Play Smart with Sub-Shrubs

UPCOMING EVENTS+

Hike and Learn with TPF
FAQs of Drought Tolerant Design
Theodore Payne Garden Tour
Showcase Docents

WHAT TO EXPECT+

Water conservation
Fire prevention

TEAM UPDATE+

Showcase House of Design
U.S. Green Building Council

UPCOMING EVENTS+

March 15: Hike and Learn with TPF


March 22
: FAQs of Drought Tolerant Design

April 5-6: Theodore Payne Garden Tour

April 13-May 11: Showcase Docents

Save the Dates
Request FormLA Speakers

TEAM UPDATE+

The City of Sierre Madre selected FormLA Landcaping to design a drought tolerant demonstration garden for their city hall.

Pasadena Showcase House of Design selected FormLA® Landscaping to produce its 9th Showcase Garden. The Rain Cascade Garden plays a central role in ensuring the flow of the overall property.

FormLA Landscaping is hiring! In the coming months, we’ll hire a landscape architect, a construction technician, and a third maintenance care manager passionate about client service, sustainability and design.

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 Katarina Eriksson, Maintenance and Horticultural Team Leaders: Kat@formlainc.com and Ed@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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