Leaning, learning and leading toward a more sustainable path, I look forward to participate in the Calabasas Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 3 at the Las Virgenes Creek restored site on Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA. Planning a booth display showing how to achieve Enduring Beauty in the Garden. Recognizing a continuum on which folks may place themselves, whether they embrace or do not embrace principles of sustainability, I hope to appeal to all senses and sensibilities! My goal is to help everyone move a little closer to sustainably sharing our precious earth and the resources she gives us.
At my booth, folks may delight in...
Touching, seeing and smelling mostly native flowering shrubs and bunch grasses appropriate to our climate zone --
donated by Nopalito Native Plant Nursery LLC, Ventura
Running fingers through UC Verde Buffalo Grass, a sensible lawn replacement for the eco-conscious lawn-seeker -- compliments of Florasource Ltd
Also, there will be a chance to...
Peruse books and other literature in my collection, and see garden plans and photos of enduring gardens in progress.
Get up-to-date information on professional quality in-line drip irrigation systems and components supplied by Smith Pipe & Supply Inc., Westlake Village
Speaking of drip irrigation... It is one of the most efficient ways to deliver water to the root zone of plants, to avoid run-off, to eliminate over spray, and to contribute less to proliferating weed growth. It can be a little more complicated to install than conventional spray-head irrigation, but it is not rocket science!
Many folks who want to do the right thing environmentally are still married to their green lawns, whether they use them or not. UC Verde may offer lawn-seekers a slightly different shade of green lawn, one that complements the drought tolerant and California-friendly plant palette. My recommendation: go lawn-less if you can. Whatever lawn you keep, make sure it serves a purpose and that it is as resource-efficient as possible.
At the event, I will also happily share design tips and insights, dispell myths and set records straight on the truth about suburban landscape choices, for example:
"Drought tolerant" and "California native" plants:
Myths: Fearsome visions of tumbleweeds and spiney cactus. Dusty, parched and desert-like. Unclean.
Reality: Fragrant, lush, life-giving, enduring beauty. (Can include desert plants if you want them!) Safe and inviting for kids and pets. You can even make a refreshing beverage from berries of some plants! Intriguing!
Weed-free traditional lawns and manicured shrubs in Southern California:
Myths: Reflects a healthful, carefree, easy way of outdoor living. Kids and pets romp on a lush, green lawn, while you relax. Affirms status.
Reality: Toxic dump of chemicals, devoid of life, high-maintenance, noisey, out of balance. Relaxing? Status???
Rather than teaching kids to be afraid and squeamish about dirt and bugs, do them a healthful favor. Teach them to be aware of environmental costs of artificially created and maintained lawns. For goodness sake, don't let them roll on a chemically induced, weed-free lawn! Better to let them find a bird, a bug or two enjoying life in a more hospitable habitat.
Be more squeamish about chemicals than bugs!
Come on out to the Earth Day Festival in Calabasas on April 3, and see just how beautiful and easy an enduring garden can be. Look for the booth with my sign pictured at the top of this blog post, as well as Nopalito's sign. In the meantime, check out begarden.com, my Garden Design website. On my Events/News page I have posted a link to the flyer for Earth Day Festival in Calabasas.
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