| A 12-Step Program for a Sustainable Landscape |
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| 1. |
Reduce water use with climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant plants
such as California natives and Mediterranean plants. |
| 2. |
Install an efficient drip irrigation system in place of sprinklers. |
| 3. |
Reduce the size of the lawn or eliminate it altogether to save water, energy resources, greenhouse emissions, and the use of chemical fertilizers and weed control products. Replace with a climate appropriate garden landscape. |
| 4. |
Lower maintenance by planting the right plants in the right place.
Allow enough room for the mature size of each plant and pay attention to your garden’s microclimates. |
| 5. |
Create a balanced garden ecosystem to promote healthy soil, avoid
pest and disease problems, and support our local wildlife. |
| 6. |
Provide a healthy habitat for birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and others with natural plant foods, a clean source of water, and safe environment to raise their young. |
| 7. |
Compost for healthy soil and healthy plants. Encourage beneficial
organisms and earth worms to obtain a loamy, aerated soil. |
| 8. |
Mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool. |
| 9. |
Be ocean-friendly by preventing water run-off that pollutes our rivers and ocean. Avoid non-permeable materials for patios, pathways, and other hardscape surfaces to retain water on the property and replenish the water table. |
| 10. |
Utilize materials that have a low impact on the environment. Avoid using exotic woods such as that from rain forests and stone that is quarried from great distances or damage the land. |
| 11. |
Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Attract beneficial insects and use the least toxic methods for pest and disease control when necessary including plain water, soaps and horticulture oil. |
| 12. |
Save time, money and effort with an eco-friendly, low maintenance garden designed and installed by Nature by Design. |
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