May 2009 Newsletter

VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

We enjoyed the past month more than most, as we got to see so many of you!

We were delighted to see those who joined the Theodore Payne Foundation and La Cañada Valley Beautiful Garden Tours and so happy many of you have already seen our showcase for sustainable landscaping at the Pasadena Showcase House.

We are exceedingly grateful to Angelia Leung and Hap Palmer, Michelle Markota, Paige and Rob Olson, Al and Myra Rosen, and Loraine Sanchez for opening their outdoor living spaces to tour visitors this spring. A special thanks to Hap Palmer who also spoke with CNN SoCal News about the benefits of water wise native gardens!

As we move into May, we will help you address new regulations for outdoor water use and prepare for fire season. More information follows and we welcome your calls and questions on these hot topics.

Sincerely,
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

New Ordinances Limit Watering and Impose Escalating Fines
Starting June 1st, the Department of Water and Power will restrict sprinkler
watering to two days a week and between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Violators will
incur fines that increase in $100 increments per violation. View “New Law Forces Water Conservation,” ABC News.

Strategies for minimizing outdoor water use include:

• Designing-in Sustainability and Water Conservation. This produces the most profound
  benefits. Native plants can be combined with plants from the world’s five
  Mediterranean climate regions to compliment any architectural style. By appropriately
  complimenting building design and topography, water-wise gardens can also reduce a
  building’s ongoing energy needs and minimize garden installation costs.

• Maintaining and Retrofitting Irrigation Systems. For those with established
  landscapes, retrofitting irrigation systems with new technologies, including
  weather-based controllers and updated nozzles can significantly reduce water
  consumption.

• Setting Timers and Controls to Comply with Ordinances. FormLA maintenance
  crews will be checking irrigation timers and weather-based controls to ensure
  compliance with local ordinances.

Pasadena Star-News Highlights FormLA
Pasadena Showcase House Garden
Read the Story

Horticultural Highlights: Tips and Client News

Tip of the Month: Introduce Innocuous Insects Aphids, spider mites, white fly and other critters thrive right now and through the growing season. Instead of spraying harmful and unhealthy pesticides, consider asking FormLA to attract or introduce beneficial insects, such as lacewings, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs, to your garden. These pleasant insects repel pesky white flies and attract more beneficial insects, birds, and indigenous species, helping your landscape maintain a natural balance.

La Cañada Flintridge Public Library Introduces Mediterranean Demonstration Garden
The second of five
demonstration gardens designed by FormLA to educate Angelinos
about water-wise plants from the world’s 5 Mediterranean climate regions
is now complete. This Mediterranean garden joins the established
California native garden. La Cañada Valley Beautiful is currently
raising funds to add demonstration gardens featuring plants from
Chile, South Africa, and Australia as well.
Contribute to La Cañada Valley Beautiful

SERVICE UPDATE+

Fire and Water Watch
As we head into summer, we are preparing for fire season and the mandatory water
rationing expected to begin in July 2009.

Fire Clearance
Spring is the time to prepare for fire season. The FormLA
maintenance team will protect your home and ensure your outdoor space complies
with current codes.
View the Governor’s Call to Action
Contact the FormLA Maintenance Team

Water Audits
FormLA can audit your outdoor water use and provide tips and tools
for conserving water while keeping your outdoor space green and vibrant. Request a Water Audit