January 2014 Newsletter

VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

Happy New Year! While we haven’t made resolutions, we have strengthened our resolve for 2014.

As professional landscapers we feel a profound sense of responsibility for addressing the “epic drought” expected this year. 50 percent of LA’s water goes to landscaping, and we waste 60 percent of our rainfall.

Your smart landscaping choices and our work can transform LA, making our community more ecologically, fiscally, and aesthetically resilient. Let’s get started!

Sincerely,
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

3 Extra-Credit Water Savers

Tips: While LA’s sunny holiday season may have seemed like a gift, the price will be paid in the New Year. Rainy season has been surprisingly without rain, and even those outfitted with rainbarels and cisterns simply haven’t had much rain to catch. If you are looking to keep your footprint and water bills low, read on for ways to save profound amounts of water. Read More

New Incentives to Save

Tips: Concerns over low rainfall and drought have brought in a bumper crop of carrots. Municipalities throughout the Los Angeles region are upping water saving incentives from grants to rebates. Tour some of the region’s more innovative programs to see if saving water can also save you money. Read More

5 Fire-Fighting Native Plants

Wet-to-Dry: So much for rainy season! Significant burns from the Pacific Palisades to Glendora rightly spark concern for our naturally drier seasons. While non-natives, particularly invasive species, can intensify the flames, some native foliage resists flame. Learn about 5 of our fire-fighting favorites. Read More

WHAT TO EXPECT+

Though rainy season, we usually focus our energy on conserving water and prepping gardens to achieve optimal beauty and utility in the spring and summer. This year is different. We are assessing gardens as we would for the fall – balancing desires for a compelling aesthetic with the need to ensure homes are optimally safe from fire.

Preparing for Spring Growth:

• Cutting grasses to their bases
• Pruning ornamental shrubs and Mediterranean plants
• Providing special feeding to citrus and acid loving plants
• Evaluating empty areas for fill-in
• Planting native plants

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 Extra-Credit Water Savers
New Incentives to Save
5 Fire-Fighting Native Plants

UPCOMING EVENTS+

Hike and Learn with TPF
FAQs of Drought Tolerant Design

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

Save the Dates
Request FormLA Speakers

TEAM UPDATE+

Looking for design inspiration? Check out 50 Years of Pasadena Showcase House of Design Homes, which features exquisite homes and gardens, including a few created by FormLA®. Read More

Cassy Aoyagi judged the first annual U.S. Green Building Council, Los Angele sustainable landscape architect contest and presented awards to the winners at the organization’s annual Green Gala event.

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