Posts Tagged ‘drought tolerant plants’

  • VCTO - Oynx - #1
    12.03.14

    The Growing Attraction to Turf Conversion Rebate Programs

    There’s a lot more than just the severe water shortage changing landscapes in California. Public works rebate programs, many of which went into effect in 2009, are gaining in popularity due to commercial and residential real estate owners who are quickly realizing that replacing turf with drought-tolerant landscaping can be as financially rewarding and beautiful as it is good for the environment. Case in point: Oynx, a high-end apartment community in southern California’s Warner Center. When Updating Means Saving &... MORE >

  • Desert Marigold Drought-tolerant Plant
    06.12.14

    My Favorite Drought-Tolerant Plants for Southwest Landscapes

    Contrary to what many people might think, the deserts of the American Southwest offer a kaleidoscope of colorful and interesting drought-tolerant plants with which to create a xeriscape. What is xeriscaping you ask? It’s a way of landscaping that focuses on water conservation through the use of native, drought-tolerant plants. The term comes from the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry, and the xeriscape philosophy is a perfect approach to water-efficient desert gardening. With that in mind, I’ve listed some... MORE >

  • Why did the drought tolerant, native plant die?
    08.06.13

    5 Reasons Why Your Drought Tolerant, Native Plants Died

    Yeah! You made the effort to be green and you jumped on the conserve water, only use drought tolerant, native plants sustainability bandwagon and what happened? The plants died and you want to know WHY??? Here are 5 reasons why your drought tolerant, native plants died. Fact: All plants need some water. Yes, plants can be drought tolerant, but unless they are petroleum based (plastic), silk or preserved. They are going to need some water. Fact: All plants need more... MORE >

  • Dormant Lawn
    09.20.12

    Brown is the New Green

    For years the Dallas/Fort Worth market has been on the forefront of seeding ryegrass into dormant turf for the winter.  Why seed ryegrass you ask?  (Ok, so you didn’t ask…but I’ll tell you anyway) Well, in this market the warm season turf, predominately Bermuda and St. Augustine, goes dormant in the winter, leaving the turf naturally brown. Years ago someone came up the idea of sowing ryegrass (a cool season turf) into dormant, warm-season lawns.  Magically, the brown grass became... MORE >

  • waterd
    05.17.12

    Water Awareness Month — Help Spread the Word!

    May is water awareness month in California and the majority of people I speak with don’t know about the campaign.  The California Water Awareness Campaign is a yearlong effort by organizations in California to heighten public awareness of water.  This has been happening since 1989. This year there are over 70 cities and water agencies contributing to the program and approximately 300 water agencies, farm bureaus, and various other organizations throughout California who will participate in this year’s campaign. The... MORE >

  • Native plant and hardscape yard
    05.15.12

    Honey Did You Cut The Grass?

    “No dear but I raked the rocks.”  This is a conversation I am finally ready to have.  Spring has sprung and I am facing yet another year of mowing the yard.  I thought I mowed it correctly last week but here I am doing it over again this week!  Did I do something wrong?  What’s the definition of insanity?  Doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. A beautiful, lush landscape can be gorgeous but sometimes I... MORE >

  • East Garden at Galleria in Atlanta
    01.24.12

    What’s Not To Love About Water…Fountains?

    Previously in I LOVE WATER…FOUNTAINS (But Not Everyone Does) it was clear I have some favorite water fountains. So, who doesn’t love water fountains? Namely owners and here are three reasons why: Illegal Water Use – during times of drought municipalities often implement water restrictions which may require the water  fountains to be turned off. Power – water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon, which means Buckingham Fountain moves about 3500 tons of water each hour which takes a lot of energy and... MORE >

  • Cactus
    10.20.11

    Mother Nature is Watching Us

    As populations move into undeveloped areas, we need to be cognoscente of Mother Nature. We must remember that nature will eventually win out if we move in the opposite direction. Why not accept nature and utilize its best qualities to make our lives more fulfilled?  A regenerative landscape, or one that gives back, seems to be the key. Because each native plant has different needs and habits, it fills a particular ecological niche.  The right combination of plants keep diseases from... MORE >

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