Transcript PRESENTATION TITLE

Sustainable Landscaping
Tips
Chumash Creek Cleanup
September 19, 2009
What is Sustainable Landscaping?
• Using plants that are adapted to the environment
you are planting them in (Natives)
• CA Native Plants
• Mulching / Grass-cycling
• Composting
• Rainwater Harvesting / Greywater
California Native Plants
• CA Native plants are adapted to the local:
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Climate / temperature
Soil type
Water availability (drought tolerant)
Pests and diseases
• CA Native plants are beautiful
Mulching / Grass-cycling
• Mulching
– Reduces amount of weeds
– Helps retain water moisture in soil
– Creates perfect environment for beneficial bugs
• Grass-cycling
– Leave grass clippings on your lawn
– Reduces amount of fertilizer needed
– Helps retain water moisture (reduces watering need)
Composting – Make Fertilizer from Trash
• Use food scraps and yard waste to make fertilizer
• 50% “greens”
– Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee filters, bread, egg shells
– No meat or dairy
• 50% “browns”
– Dried leaves, DEAD weeds
– Paper towels, napkins, newspaper
• Mix, add water, stir (once a week)
• Reduces trash to the landfill by up to 50%
Rainwater Harvesting / Greywater
• Capture rainwater from your roof
– Rain barrels
• Design landscape to use runoff in a beneficial
manner
• Re-use water from your house for landscape needs
– Shower / sink
– Washing machine
– Car washing
• All of this conserves water
Why Sustainable Landscaping?
• Saves you money and time
– Less water needed
– Less pesticides and fertilizers
– Less maintenance
• Better for the environment
– Conserves resources
– Introduces less chemicals
• Other benefits:
– Can protect your home from fire and/or flood
– Introduces wildlife to your garden
– Increase vegetable/flower yields