California NatureScaping

03/06/2026

A conservation strategy is to plant for multiple uses. Almond trees provide an abundance of pretty flowers followed by the nuts. They are perfect for dry Summer Mediterranean climates. You can also plant bulbs like paperwhites under the trees for early color in late Winter/early Spring when the branches are bare.

01/28/2026

All the hardscape and irrigation
is in on this La Jolla property and it is ready for what makes it a real landscape garden -- the plants. Going in is a mixure of Southern California natives, herbs and fruits trees. Stay tuned.

01/21/2026

Propose yard re-design, Bonita area.

01/21/2026

700 feet of irrigation pipe going in on the project in La Jolla.

01/21/2026

A little front yard makeover in the Rolando area of San Diego

06/28/2024

Starting July 1, 2024, the Commercial Turf Removal rebate will increase from $2 per square foot to $3 per square foot for a limited time. So, apply soon. For more details, visit SoCalWaterSmart.com

06/25/2024

We created this multi use garden recently. It is a good example of design using nature based principles. It combines fruit trees, vegetable beds, herbs and native plants in our favorite naturalistic style, with permeable decomposed granite paths and thick locally sourced mulch. Thanks to Fruitful Organics for the fruit trees and Native West Nursery for the natives.

04/16/2024

It's like a puzzle. Laying out Silver quartzite flagstone on decomposed granite.

03/16/2024

Some elements of a good water thrifty garden makeover:
--Uncluttered design.
--Limited, permeable pathways. Just enough path to get around easily.
--Terracing using low garden walls that saves water, creates visual interest.
--Drip irrigation.
--Plants that can survive neglect and the blow and go maintenance crew (that's not us).
--Annual checkups by skilled gardeners (us).
--Lawn substitutes (in this garden it is Dymondia).
--River rock accents.
--Mulch or gravel ground cover.
This landscape was designed by my daughter, Alyssa, [email protected] about 10 years ago. Some of the existing features like the deck and background plants were there before makeover and incorporated into the design.

03/07/2024

Reusing discarded cardboard as a sheet mulch has become popular in organic landscaping lately. Cardboard mulch is not such a good thing. Besides if your goal is to save trees and energy, it makes more sense to bring your used cardboard to the recycle center.

Cardboard used in landscape restorationCardboard used in lasagna gardeningCardboard used for w**d controlThe many faces of carboard found in home gardens and public greenspaces In the quarter centu…