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: –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%

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

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