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Sustainable Landscaping Tips Chumash Creek Cleanup September 19, 2009 Slide 2 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 Slide 3 California Native Plants CA Native plants are adapted to the local: Climate / temperature Soil type Water availability (drought tolerant) Pests and diseases CA Native plants are beautiful Slide 4 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) Slide 5 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% Slide 6 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 Rainwater Harvesting / Greywater Slide 7 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