If you think the best way to have a green garden is with a huge expanse of lawn, you’re like most people. Lawns are a part of our culture, and are a ubiquitous feature of front yard landscaping. Unfortunately, they also need a lot of water to maintain their lush good looks, and water is a precious commodity in sunny California.

So, how can you maintain your yard’s good looks without that gorgeous lawn? The answer is simple – get creative and go with native, drought-resistant plants.  I was recently inspired by the wonderful landscaping at the Dierberg Winery (http://www.dierbergvineyard.com/) tasting room up in Santa Barbara County. Simple outcroppings of sage and lavender, coupled with rock lined beds and bark, really worked well together.

       

As an added bonus to converting your lawn into drought tolerant landscaping, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (and possibly your local water & power department) offers a rebate of $1 per square foot of lawn that is converted. Now that’s a way to go green in more ways than one!

For more information and garden inspiration, check out the garden section at bewaterwise.com - http://www.bewaterwise.com/knowledge01.html