The California Lawn Diet
?Why Should Cows Be The Only Happy Californian's
The California Lawn Diet will show you ways to save on water and create a more efficient healthier landscape.
The ideas in this book can easily be a DIY project or tips to share with your present gardener/ contractor.
"The idea of your nice little green grass
getting lots of water every day that's going to
be a thing of the past." Gov. Jerry Brown
On April 1st 2015 the press reported “for the
first time in state history the Governor has
directed the State Water Resources Control
Board to implement mandatory water
reductions in cities and towns across
California to reduce water usage by at least
.25 percent
Goal
I hope this start's a conversation, provides a way to preserve gardens, and preserves water for the future growth in the state of California.
Risk
We cannot afford to lose billions of dollars already invested in gardens or, the trees that shade our streets, the shrubs that frame our homes and, the lawn that most of us had to run, play, and camp on as kids.
Task
I decided to write this book to provide a different perspective on the situation, rather than just complain, give those with a desire to maintain their garden and lawn other ideas.
Truth
With proper guidance we can get through this phase of the drought and, water restrictions, with simple changes and, some temporary sacrifice while we create new guidelines for home.. and commercial landscapes.
Demand
The Governor's SOLUTION is incorrect. Grass does not need lots of water and should not be watered everyday.
Fact
What we need are comprehensive guidelines from each city for landscape designs that are not only water efficient but well designed, installed and, maintained. Some cities already have such plans in place “THE CALIFORNIA WATER DIET” gives you real world suggestions.
FAQs
How do we professionalize the landscape industry responsible for our water future? Should landscape architects be required to have practical experience in the filed as part of their internship and license requirements?
Should gardeners be licensed?
Should contractors take continuing education?
Who’s setting the long-term goals at a state level?
Why did the state wait till we’re at a crisis point?
How will the state address the added population growth and water needs?
SOIL, SUN, SHADE AND, JUST THE RIGHT ZONE.
SOME OF THE BASIC AND MOST IMPORTANT STEPS WHEN DESIGNING A GARDEN OR REPLACING YOUR LAWN.
SOIL TYPE WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND, MAINTENANCE OF ANY GARDEN. THIS WILL GREATLY AFFECT THE WATER YOU USE AND HOW YOU USE IT.
Knowing what type of soil you have is essential.
Knowing how much sunlight your garden gets will determine your plant choices for
maximum water efficiency.
Believe it or not the whole state of California is NOT a desert.
There are many different climate zones throughout California as well as In other states -- even many different zones in
some cities, some zones only a few blocks.
THERE ARE THOUSAND'S OF PLANT CHOICES IN THE STATE, KNOWING THE BASIC'S BEFORE YOU CHOOSE WILL RESULT IN A SUCCESSFUL LANDSCAPE.
HOW YOU PREPARE YOUR GARDEN IS KEY.
The first steps are almost always the most important in anything you do. Putting the time and investment in your gardens underground structure including, amending, irrigation, drainage, grading and, and digging the right size holes for anything you plant will result in success.
"Do it right or don't do it at all." It will cost you more in the long run if you don't start right.
The same holds true when going back into an existing garden to renovate or make the water saving recommendations suggested in the book.
One of the biggest mistakes to not properly kill a lawn before you let it die a slow death.
Any of the invasive grasses left to dry out will return with a vengeance at the first sign of any water.
If you have already installed a new rock garden without properly killing the lawn you have a new battle ahead. Look to the chapter.
"How not to remove a lawn".
The solution, It's all about creativity.
The book will give you several ideas to replace the lawn area you do decide to remove, if you do at all. If you are not removing your lawn the book will surely help meet the water saving goals you need.
The Maze - This is a fun creative way to take up space in a garden and will use much less water than lawn if installed correctly.
Sun and Shade Zones - Separate the areas of your yard that need water. No two areas will have the same needs, so design an efficient sprinkler system to meet each areas requirements.
Hire the right contractor - Manage your expectations, it may be tough to put the large part of your investment in the ground but it is the ground that will support your investments future.
Plants - So many choices. Don't get caught up in a dry landscape, there are other choices.
Buy Now
A garden design guide to point you in the right direction, and save water.
The California Lawn Diet is available here on our website in a secure e-book download and on amazon and Apples iTunes Book Store.
Jonathan is also available for consulting services either over the phone or if travel permits at your location. Much of a consultation can be done with pictures of your location and a one on one conversation over the phone.
You Can also see his landscape work at www.thejonathancompany.com.
Share Your Thoughts
It's all about our precious water resource's, but at what expense?