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Ever heard of sheep fescue, buffalograss or bahiagrass? As the days of wasteful lawn watering go the way of programmable VCRs, we found an article that celebrates several drought-resistant strains of grass and how to care for them. This list of grasses includes helpful cultural practices like deep, infrequent watering and changes to mowing habits.…

Looking for something a bit different? While many of us use plants to connect with a positive force, some of us have never really thought about it. Author David Wolfe lists his top 12 picks to create positive energy in your home. With plants. Is this too much pressure to put on that ficus you’ve…

What’s the difference between hardscaping and landscaping? As Northern California moves through more drought years and water restrictions, one popular option is hardscaping. What is hardscaping? While landscaping involves living plants and terrain, hardscaping is done using anything non-living. So an area raised along a fence with attractive bricks and re-claimed timber would be hardscaping.…

All you’ll need for this total open space transformation is a few thrift store or flea market baskets, pots, benches, buckets and more. The fun starts when you apply paint. In this piece, DIY design sage Shauna walks us through several super simple transformations of readily available items. With a little paint, the distressed wood…

You’ve worked so hard on your outdoor space. In choosing the best plants, hardscape materials and design, why limit its beauty solely to the daytime? More and more yards are incorporating landscape lighting. Once limited to illuminating statues in parks and the occasional fountain, advances in safety and energy conservation have made landscape lighting accessible…

This feature has some great ideas to add value to your home through outdoor staging. Whether you are selling your home or finding a new renter, these tips cover the simple and structured. Adding fountains, trees or a fire pit can add value to your open space. If you plan on selling your home, simple…

Do you have an efficient irrigation system? Can it adapt to rainy and dry years? The drought seems to be over but many of the restrictions remain. We can help you plan for what is coming up next and respond to unexpected changes in weather. SF Gate has a very good article listing the restrictions that…

Californians cut back on water usage faced with temporary bill surcharges meant to discourage usage. Consumers and businesses responded by reducing water consumption 22 percent. The end result will be higher rates. The New York Times has an in-depth look how we will be effected for doing the right thing. We always consider water to be a precious resource…