HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/04/1988, 8 - LANDSCAPE STANDARDS FOR WATER CONSERVATION city o1011�I11111$11 n IIUIU � 1" �E f 11 UG DATE:
Isan lues oBispo 88
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT u BER:
FROM Michael Multari, Community Development Director; BY: Jeff Hossociate Planner
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SUBJECT: Landscape Standards for Water Conservation
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the attached resolution approving the Landscape Standards
INTRODUCTION
At its August 16th hearing, the council approved various water allocation procedures and
continued the landscape water conservation standards. Council asked staff to clarify the
standards, and to restudy some of the standards considered too stringent. The standards
have been condensed, and address Council, ARC, and public comments raised at previous
hearings. Major changes are highlighted below.
This is one of several water conservation programs initiated by council as part of the
City's Water Management Element. The landscape standards were jointly prepared by
Community Development and Public Works staff, and the ARC. A public workshop was held on
April 27th to solicit comments on the landscape workprogram from developers and design
professionals, and the ARC considered the guidelines at their August 1st and August 15th
meetings (minutes attached).
This is the first part of a broader landscape workprogram. Staff also will prepare a
homeowner's handout on landscape ideas for water conservation, a list of recommended
drought-resistant plants, and revised planting specifications and requirements for public
projects.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
Staff expects no significant environmental or fiscal impacts from adopting these
landscape standards. It has been determined that their adoption is not a project
requiring environmental review.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TAKING THE RECOMMENDED ACTION
During architectectural review and building plancheck, staff and the ARC now review all
landscaping in most new projects. Adoption of landscape standards will guide staff,
commissioners, and applicants in preparing and reviewing plans; and it will allow a more
equitable, consistent application of landscape requirements. An estimated 1/3 to 1/2 of
the city's water goes toward maintaining landscaping. If the landscape standards are not
adopted, the city's water conservation efforts will be hampered.
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M; COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Landscape Standards
Page 2
DISCUSSION
A. Proposed Revisions
1. Proiect Categories - Standards are listed in three categories: 1) those that
apply to all projects, 2) those applying to projects reviewed by the ARC, and 3)
standards applying only to larger or more complex projects. The first category
sets basic landscape standards, and would apply to all new development projects,
including new single-family homes. Medium- and large-sized projects, where the
potential for water savings is greater, would also have to meet more stringent
standards.
2. Submittal Requirements - Submittal requirements have been condensed and
simplified. Plans for simple projects, like houses and small apartment projects,
would now need to include basic landscape and irrigation information. Additional
information would be required for larger or more complex projects.
3. Landscape Standards Deleted - Some of the landscape standards included in the
previous draft have been deleted. For example, the requirements for maintenance
agreements and surety bonds, and separate irrigation water meters were considered
inappropriate and have been deleted. The wording in most of the standards has
been revised to give the ARC or Director added discretion in implementing the
standards.
Other changes-
-Erosion control required for slopes 3:1 or greater (was 4:1 or greater).
-Watering guidelines deleted. (These are educational in nature and more -
appropriately included with homeowner landscape ideas)
-Standard added to require recirculating water in decorative fountains.
These standards are based on proven landscape design principles. They represent a
measured, low-cost approach to saving water in the landscape. Their implementation would
not radically alter the appearance or cost of landscape development in the city; however
it will result in some important changes:
-Lawn areas will be limited, and alternative ground covers encouraged.
-Additional applicant and staff attention will be paid to landscape/irrigation
plans.
-More California native or drought-resistant landscape plantings will be used.
If the city's water situation worsens, more stringent conservation measures may be
appropriate. Some alternative strategies are listed below. At present, staff believes
that these standards will be effective in reducing landscape water use in new projects.
ALTERNATIVES
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1. Adopt the resolution approving the landscape standards as submitted.
This approach allows the earliest possible implementation, following staff
training in use of the guidelines. The council may wish to review the standardsV
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Landscape Standards
Page 3
again in one year to evaluate their effectiveness and consider possible changes.
2. Continue consideration of the standards with direction for changes. Some
alternative strategies include:
A. Single Family Houses - Exempting single-family houses from lawn area
limits or other landscape standards, or increasing the percent of lawn area
allowed.
Comment: For maximum effectiveness, the landscape standards should apply to
all new development. The limitation on lawn area requires new homeowners to use
ground covers creatively, while reducing lawn area. Lawn irrigation accounts for
over one-half of all landscape water use, and thus, offers the greatest potential
for water savings. As an alternative, the proposed 20% limit to lawn area could
be increased. Staff feels that 20% is workable, since larger turn areas could be
allowed administratively if special water saving measures (ie. low volume
irrigation heads, irrigation timer) were used.
B. Maintenance Requirements - The standards focus on new development.
Performance standards applying to existing development may be appropriate to
require such water conservation measures as: sprinkler retrofit,
limitations on sprinkler overspray and runoff, lawn area limits, maintenance
requirements, and installation of special irrigation control equipment (for
larger projects). Implementation of these measures could be triggered by
changes in the city's water situation, or by future council action.
Comment: Existing landscaping should also follow some basic water
conservation guidelines. Staff believes that education may be an effective first
step to encourage homeowners and businesses to use sound water conservation
practices in existing landscapes. Improper or inadequate maintenance can waste
water, and impact community esthetics as much as initial design decisions. A
phased implementation approach tied to water supply/demand, reservoir levels, or
similar measures could return for council approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the attached resolution approving Landscape Water Conservation Standards, with or
without changes as deemed appropriate.
Attachments:
-Draft Resolution
-Draft Landscape Standards
-ARC Minutes
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RESOLUTION NO. (1988 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADOPTING WATER-CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
WHEREAS, Section 17.89.040 of the Water Allocation Regulations enables the council to
require water-conservation features for projects obtaining water allocations; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.48 of the Municipal Code establishes architectural review and
enables the Architectural Review Commission and the council to adopt architectural review
procedures and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the council has determined that adopting these landscape guidelines is not a
project for purposes of environmental review;
NOW, THEREFORE, the council resolves to adopt the water conservation landscape
standards fully contained in the attached Exhibit A, with standards to be applied to each
project requesting architectural approval or a water allocation, as indicated.
On motion of - seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of 1988.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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Resolution No. (1988 Series)
Page 2
APPROVED:
Adm nistrative Officer
City A t rney
Community Development Director
��i►►�Illi�l�lllflllflllllll�������Q"► Ill � city of sAn hili oaspo
990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS FOR WATER CONSERVATION
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo requires attractive, water-conserving landscaping in all new
development projects. We live in a semi-arid, mediterranean- type climate which poses
special landscape problems and opportunities. Consequently, developers, landscape
architects, contractors, designers, homeowners, and others involved with landscape design
need to make efficient use of increasingly limited water supplies through sensible,
carefully planned landscape design, installation and maintenance.
These standards explain the City's expectations for landscape water conservation in new
development. They are to be used by the public, city staff, and the Architectural Review
Commission in preparing and reviewing public and private landscape plans. While
innovative and varied landscape design is encouraged, applicants and designers will be
required to use landscape water efficiently.
INTENT
Conserving water through sensible landscaping is one of several ways we can help• to
better balance water supply and demand. Through these guidelines, the City intends to
reduce the amount of water used for landscaping businesses, houses, apartments, parks,
and public buildings. There is a wide variety of plants, supplies and design techniques
available which can save water while beautifying the landscape. New public and private
development projects, and major remodels need to follow these guidelines, which encourage
use of these water conserving measures.
Site conditions, esthetic tastes, and budgets vary, and not all of the recommended water
conservation measures are feasible or desirable in every landscape situation. Landscape
plans should, however, clearly show that water conservation measures have been included
where feasible and appropriate; or explain why such measures are infeasible or
inappropriate for the proposed project.
PROCEDURES
There are three categories of landscape standards. All development projects will fall
under one or more of the categories, depending on its size and where it requires
architectural review. For example, basic landscape requirements are listed in category I
and apply to all projects. Larger, more complex projects, where the potential for water
savings is greater, must meet the additional requirements listed under categories II and
III:
I. All Projects - This includes all new development projects, including
those which are exempt from architectural review, such as individually
built, single-family houses and duplexes;
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Landscape Standards
Page 2
II. Small- to medium-sized projects - These projects require
architectural review, such as new houses on sensitive sites, the
construction of three or more dwellings on a lot, and new commercial
buildings.
III. Large projects - This refers to commercial or;industrial projects on
sites of 20,000 sq. ft. or more, and residential i projects of 10 or
more units. '
Where a project is reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission, the ARC shall
evaluate projects for compliance with these guidelines. For projects which are exempt
from architectural review, the Community Development Director shall review all projects
for conformance with the guidelines during building plancheck. Development projects
shall conform to these guidelines prior to building permit issuance:
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Decisions of the Community Development Director are appealable ;to the Architectural
Review Commission, and decisions of the Architectural Review Commission are appealable to
the City Council, subject to the appeal provisions of Chapter 17.66jof the Municipal
Code.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
I. Reouired For All Proiects:
Landscape and irrigation plans which show water conserving measures in sufficient
detail and clarity to judge whether the project conforms to the guidelines,
including:
A. Planting Plan - Showing scale, north arrow, property lines, existing and
proposed structures, streets, major natural features such as creeks and rock
outcroppings; location, size, type, and quantity of proposed plants existing
trees to be removed or retained, noted by type, location, trunk diameter and
height, overall condition and expected lifespan; statistics listing total
paved area, and percentage of total site area devoted to irrigated
turfgrass.
B. Irrigation Plan - Showing scale, north arrow, property lines, existing
and proposed structures, streets, and existing trees to remain and major
natural features; below-ground utilities; location, size, and type of
irrigation components. If legible, the irrigation plan can be combined with
the planting plan.
II. Renuired For ARC Proiects: (' Denotes items already required for ARC review)
In addition to the information listed above, the following information should be
provided:
A. Planting Notes - Describing how landscape design meets the esthetic or
functional requirements of the site or of the proposed use, for example
landscape privacy screening, solar access, climate control, erosion control,
and water conservation M.
Landscape Standards
Page 3
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (continued)
B. Section/Elevation View - Provide a cross-section/elevation through site
showing the relationships between planting design, buildings, site
improvements, design and/or water conservation concepts. (') —
C. Irrigation Notes - Include notes or written description explaining
water-conserving measures used in irrigation design.
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III. Reauired For Laree or Complex ARC Projects (For Staff Review):
In addition to the information listed above, landscape and irrigation plans for
these projects shall be prepared by a landscape architect or other qualified
professional, and shall include the following:
A. Planting and Irrigation Details - Show planting, irrigation, staking,
and other pertinent details which explain the landscape design and/or
conservation measures. (')
B. Maintenance Program - Describe general maintenance procedures, including
frequency and responsiblities for watering, replanting, pruning, irrigation
equipment repair and programming, weed control, and fertilizing.
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
I and II. Standards Applying To All New Development Projects:
1. Irrigated turf areas should not exceed 20 percent of the site's total
area. "
Lawn areas typically require more watering than other types of ground covers, trees, and
shrubs. Therefore, although lush, green lawns are traditional in most residential
landscaping, their use for purely decorative purposes is discouraged. The ARC may allow
larger turf areas where special water conservation measures are used, and where their
primary purpose is for recreation rather than esthetics, as in parks, playgrounds, and
Private rear yards.
2. Use water-conserving turf varieties or turf substitutes where appropriate.
Warm-season turf varieties like Zoysia, hybrid Bermuda, Tall Fescue, and St. Augustine's
grass require less water to maintain their health and appearance than some other
varieties and are encouraged. Many colorful, flowering ground covers are available which
tolerate drier conditions and should be used instead of turf where little or no foot
traffic is expected.
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Landscape Guidelines
Page 4
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS (continued)
3. Design planter and turf areas for maximum water efficiency and ease of
maintenance.
Turf in unusually shaped, narrow, or sloping areas is difficult to maintain and uses more
water than level, regularly-shaped lawns of comparable size. For example, turf should
generally not be used in narrow planters, foundation plantings, raised beds, and other
relatively small planters where watering and maintenance are likely to pose problems.
Turf planting in these areas, or on slopes over 15% causes excessive irrigation runoff,
and is discouraged.
4. Use decorative paving and alternative ground covers' such as pathway bark,
crushed rock, wood chippings, concrete, brick, or wood pavers to
attractively landscape pathways, service areas, or difficult to maintain
areas.
Alternative ground covers can be attractive. They conserve water) in difficult-to-plant
areas, and in commercial and industrial projects where conventional planting would be
ineffective or inappropriate. Decorative paving for pathways adds color and texture
variety to the design and reduces watering and maintenance.
5. Select plants carefully to suit growing conditions (ie. sun, soil type,
slope aspect, expected level of maintenance).
Growing conditions may vary significantly on a site. Select plants carefully according
to their soil, sun, and moisture preferences. For example, plants which prefer moisture
conditions will often perform better in low or shady areas, or on north-facing slopes.
Sun loving or drought tolerant species often prefer well-drained, sunny, south-facing
areas.
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6. Group plants according to similar horticultural needs.
To simplify watering and maintenance, plants with similar horticultural requirements
should be grouped. Interplanting drought-tolerant plants with moisture-loving ground
covers should be avoided. Planting schemes should rely primarily on deep-rooted trees,
shrubs, and vines rather than shallow-rooted ground-covers. Canopy tree plantings should
be used to create cool, moist microclimates below for shade loving plants.
7. Use water-conserving plants.
Plant selection should clearly emphasize the use of drought tolerant and
water-conserving plants. Many plants native to California, the Mediterranean region,
Australia, and South Africa are highly ornamental and require minimal or no water once
established. i
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Landscape Standards
Page 5
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS (continued)
A list of selected water-conserving species for San Luis Obispo is available from the
Community Development Department; however, many other plant lists and references on
drought tolerant'plants for coastal California are available. Local nurseries are
another good source for up-to-date information on water-conserving plants.
8. Design Irrigation systems for maximum watering efficiency.
Projects should have an automatic, underground irrigation system. The systems shall be
designed for maximum watering efficiency. Such techniques as low-precipitation heads,
drip irrigation, moisture-sensors, check valves, and other water conserving techniques
should be used where appropriate to reduce the amount of water being applied and to
prevent excess overspray onto unplanted areas. Sprinkler heads should be properly
selected and located to prevent excessively dry or wet areas.
9. Use temporary irrigation for open space or hydroseeded areas.
Areas which are hydroseeded or planted with native vegetation generally need temporary
irrigation until well established. Temporary irrigation systems should be removed after
the establishment period, usually in 12 to 24 months.
10. Use erosion control measures on planted slopes of 3:1 (33%) or steeper.
Where runoff and erosion are likely, planted slopes shall have jute mesh, straw
matting, or comparable biodegradable material to reduce erosion and allow plants to
become established. Special irrigation design should be used to reduce runoff, such as
low precipitation heads or drip irrigation, check valves (to reduce low head drainage),
recessed planting niches or watering basins at base of plants, and proper soil
preparation.
11. Planted areas should generally have a 2" thick layer of mulch at
planting to reduce soil moisture evaporation and discourage weed
growth.
Mulches such as bark chips, wood shavings and leaf mold, and peat moss cover and cool
soil, minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth and slow erosion. Organic matter also
provides beneficial nutrients to the plants. Mulching also improves the soils's ability
to absorb and hold water, and it reduces the frequency of watering if applied properly.
Leaf accumulation under many trees and shrubs can be left as a natural, low-maintenance
mulch and can be an attractive ground cover substitute.
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Landscape Standards
Page 6
LANDSCAPE STANDARDS (continued)
12. Define planter edges to reduce irrigation runoff.
Curbs, headerboards, pavers, and other decorative materials should be used to define
the edges of planters to reduce irrigation runoff into non-planted areas, and to define
turf areas. Excessive runoff and irrigation overspray onto paved 'areas wastes water and
is not allowed.
13. Water features should be designed and maintained to use water
efficiently.
Pools, ponds, decorative fountains, and other similar ornamental water features should
use recirculating water. Water features should be of a design, shape, and size that
minimizes water loss through evaporation.
III. Standards For Laree or Complex Proiects:
14. Developers shall provide homeowner design/maintenance guidelines for
residential and commercial subdivisions.
Developers shall provide landscape design, irrigation and maintenance guidelines for
homeowners' use in new subdivisions. The guidelines shall be included in a package of
landscape water conservation information provided and distributed by the subdivider to
homeowners, and shall include as a minimum: recommended plant types and sample designs
for water conservation, suggested watering and maintenance schedules, horticultural
measures to reduce landscape water use, and financial and/or other homeowner incentives
to encourage appropriate and timely installation of water-saving li ndscapes.
15. Subdividers shall design and install water-conserving demonstration
landscapes for new residential subdivisions.
Subdividers shall landscape at least two units or model homes using water-conserving
landscaping to demonstrate the feasibility and esthetic qualities of this type of
landscaping. The demonstration gardens shall follow the City's Model Home Landscape
Development Criteria (criteria being prepared), and shall include appropriate signing
explaining design strategies and plant materials for water conservation.
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Jndith Lautner, Associate Planner,'presented the.stafrelport;`recoanmeudiag
commiwd6n approve;the draft guidelines:and forward.them with'or:without_changes to
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the City Council for final action. i•
MarshalI:Ochylski.felt enforceable.standards were peeessary He`also'felt that;:.
non-turf grasses and-tu;f grassesneeded distinction: He suggested_not.;including..:. :..
< =these.but-adding them on the list with.other grasses. ;,He.felt,:the 4-1`.slope seemed
`too flat for;°juts mesh_ -He suggested eh anging:'licensed professional':to°qualified
;;piofessional;,licensed by.the state'_-He:felt;irrigation plansshonid}also be done
b a licensed rrofessionaL: He.thou t:a�:20 w
. y p gh percent limitation'oaanrf-:�area_:was:-` ::•' ..:,�::�:�:-�,': . .-
` okay as a gnideline;:but nd as.* regulation.' He submitted:a.letter to-the 1` 4+'
":.co*R+++=on summarizing hiS comments. ` ?s `:,•� -'„
Leslie YandeWalle asked-aboutlaadscape professionals: .
• John:Wallace noted-the difference between turf and non=turf grasses.' .
Commrs: Starr and.Morris�agreeda irrigationshould be done:by a..profession al:and that..
'health' should be-replaced by'overall.condition and expected life.span':.:':
Commr.':IVlorris.feTt small areas were.very:.iaefficient to water. 'He-indicated that
drought=tolerant plant§ should not.sit in a 2-inch' thick layer of-mulch; having the
- : •--: plants=-sating an water would cause root rot-<He wanted-to..eliminate the-�: � ,- :=.._- :. .: - : •-
requirement.:for a-24nch layer of mulch, or qualify it. The following should be
included'oa 'page 11, No. 4- "Water only during non-windy and low-heat times of day°
or °between.midnight and 6:00
William Voorlis•noted that.vegetables sometimes are stressed in the middle of the
day. . ;
Commr..'Bradford`recommended adding•notes on exterior water features such as
fountains::.. ..
The commission concurred that comments on the proposed landscape.guidelines should
be forwarded.to the City Council
ARC:88-58: 1219 Ella Street; add. 4-unit apartment to siie.,with-txisting house; . .
R-2 zone;color, window details; lighting; and landscaping review..:.
FPO,
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COMMISSION COMMENTS (From 8/15/88 ARC meeting)
LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
' Wherever appropriate: Should state that irrigation plans must also be prepared by a
professional.
' page 7, no. 1:
change "overall health and condition" to "overall condition and expected
lifespan"
reason: the commission wants to know the likely life of a tree especially if
asked to remove it.
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page ?, Landscape guidelines, A. (Landscape design):
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20% limitation should apply only to well-groomed turf; :define "turf" and
"non-turf" grasses in plant list.
' page 10, B. 4:
Change 4:1 to 3:1
The commission was convinced that review of irrigationand planting would be
adequate to determine when additional erosion control is necessary. The
commission did not support a blanket requirement.
' page 7, no. 2:
Irrigation plan should include a verbal description of how it saves water, and
does its job - just to make the designer alert.
' page 7, no. 2, 5, 6:
These items not needed for ARC review, but should be submitted for staff
evaluation (one set would be adequate).
' page 9, no. 3:
Add "small areas" to those areas not good for turf - very:inefficient to water
small areas
page 10, C 1:
Mulch should not be required unilaterally. Eliminate or qualify: "where soild;
are easily drained" or words to that effect. Some plants will be harmed by
placement of mulch on top of hard clay - creating water=logged condition.
page 2
page I1; no. 4:
Add: "water between midnight and 6 aim.' because these.are generally non-windy,
low-heat times of day.
° where appropriate:
Add notes: on exterior water features,such as fountains:
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F A L L P L A N I N G
*Denotes action by Lead Person
Respond by. MEETING Zr AGENDA Q
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S10 irifflung
Southern California's Most Forward-Thinking Landscape
Architects and Designers Face the Challenge of Limited Water
BY ROBERT SMAUS
0 N Nov.5,the Los Angeles Aqueduct cele- lawn.Several have already placed restrictions on commer-
brates its 75th anniversary. The opening cial and multifamily developments Goleta, near Santa
Of this huge waterway initiated the green- Barbara, has actually limited what can be planted in a
ing of a very dry Southern California home landscape—only 20% of the garden can be grass.
With recent drought conditions,however, Santa Monica-based landscape architect Doug Camp_
the pressing question for gardeners today bell,who works with his wife and partner,architect Regula
has become: How much longer will our gardens remain Campbell, speculates that "the drought may be the best
green? Will we still be watering our lawns when the thing to ever happen to California garden design.It forces
Aqueduct turns 100.) us to rethink the entire thing,and many of the possibilities
As the fall planting season (the beat time in Southern are very exciting."
California to plant everything, from ground covers to "I don't think there is any question that gardens are
trees) nears, it becomes relevant to consider the future. going to change,"affirms Thousand Oaks landscape archi-
Some say that Southern California will eventually revert to tett Ken Smith, who has worked with the Los Angeles
desert.Others predict we will soon be raking gravel mulch- Department of Water&Power and other water agencies to
es instead of lawns Just what is the future of gardening in identify water-conserving plants and to develop better
this hot,dry corner of the country where we depend almost gardening practices. "But not suddenly," he adds. "How
entirely on imported water? can we design water-conserving gardens while people still
This much we know:We cannot take rain for granted in want bluegrass and birch trees?"
California anymore.We are experiencing the second period Plant materials such as those bluegrass lawns and birch
of drought in recent years,and although drought does not trees--known for their unquenchable thirsts—are still the
affect Southern California as immediately as it does signature of an elegant garden."One of the real luxuries of
Northern California and other parts of the country,water garden design," explains landscape architect Bill Evans,
shortages are certain to affect us in the future.As Southern designer of several Walt Disney theme parks, "is a great
California's population continues to grow, our sources of sweep of lawn. There is just no substitute."
imported water are shrinking because of demands made by Lawns are the garden's open space: a family's personal
other Western states In many areas,the price of water is park or meadow that can be walked on,played on,laid on.
expected to double in the next 20 years.Drier gardens are But they also are the consummate consumer of water. In
coming; it is only a matter of time. Southern California,grasses that remain green year-round
Although new lawn grasses and irrigation technology will
help,less lawn is inevitable and may even be mandated,as For this ureter-conscious redo of a Santa Monica garden,designer
communities limit how much of a garden can be planted to Christine Rosmini installed formal pavers and a sward of gravel.
44 LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE.OCTOBER2, 1998 P"00VOW by WN"ShhWL#-o
F A L P L A N T 1 N G
--- PLAN A are as unnatural as indoor-outdoor carpeting. Native
grasses originally were perennials that dried up in the
1.tote of lawn summer,giving California its Golden State image.
The basic problem with water usage in Southern Cali-
PLAN B forms gardens stems from the general rules of garden
design here Lay out the largest lawn possible; then plant
1•Water feature the perimeter and add other feature&That is a simple way
2.Small,shaded patio to design a garden,but its heritage is found in the normally
3.oepat eoa.d granite rain-soaked gardens of our East Coast,and before that in
a.Smeller lawn even wetter England In California such lawn-centered
&.Smaller patio. design is not what many now would call "an appropriate
_ now shaded landscape."
s.Flowers or ground Southern California has a Mediterranean climate,which
O01°er'g shrubs
planting means that the weather is wet in winter and dry in
r.Perimeter ht-tol r summer,with temperatures moderated by y a nearby ocean.
shrubs Good sources for garden ideas for California,then,are the
S.Kitchen garden gardens in other Mediterranean-type countries,including
9.Paving shaded by tree Chile, South Africa, Australia,Portugal, Spain,the south
10.Ground covering of Fiance, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Israel and the
- shrubs coastline of North Africa A wealth of plants similar to our
own natural vegetation hails from these areae i
To illustrate new ideas in drought-resistant gardens,we
have designated today's typical garden, one designed
around a lawn, as Plan A (top left). With some of
Southern California's most forward- landscape
d&cape
architects and garden designers, we have come up with
Plan B (bottom left),what we think the design of tomor-
row's garden might look like.
LAN B BEGINS with less lawn. Dividing the
Yard into smaller, more
manageable areas is
tx. : • an effective way to deal with space usually
occupied by lawn.These areas would be like a
�[ series of what Santa Monica garden designer
Nancy Goalee Power calls "garden rooms.-
Classic Mediterranean gardens are laid out in this manner.
Garden designer Phillip 1n. Chandler, who has inspired
many of today's young designers and started a number of
.: trends in gardens,uses very little lawn. (In his own garden
in Santa Monica,there is none at all.) What grass remains
is given the best possible position:close to the house,where
it can be lavished with care and enjoyed at close range.
Smeller lawns are inevitable,but it's unrealistic to think
that they will disappear altogether.The future of Southern
California lawns includes better lawn grasses and more
efficient irrigation.The thirstiest lawn grass, bluegrass, is
already being replaced by the tall fescue&. Unfortunately,
however, these deep-rooted, somewhat coarse grasses are
not as water-thrifty as first thought. To look their best,
fescue&require almost as much water as bluegrass,though
they can survive less handsomely on a smaller quantity and
needn't be watered with the same frequency.
;` John Rector, agronomist at Pacific Sod in Camarillo,
NO that lawns of the future will be the warm-season
greases that need much less water—the fine-bladed,low-
growing Bermuda brasses;the coarse,taller St.Augustine
and especially the hybrid zoysia&. "By the middle to late
lis," Rector says, "I expect to see new hybrid zoysias
46 LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE.OCTOBER 2, 1988 Playing a very big role.The reason they are not as popular
�hrd tv Liver Auddvid
{ I
Larger ffouw beds can replace a thirsty lawre Here,snow-m-summer and white Tceberg'rascs sunaun I Sedum Bpectabile.
In water-conscious gardens, annuals are planted in the fall
to bloom in the spring, taking advantage of winter rains.
now is that they go dormant in winter, but new varieties it around the garden—to make more and wider paths and
have a much-shortened dormancy period and green up in create several smaller patios instead of one large one.
early February instead of late March or April." (Note that Plan A has one large patio; Plan B has two
Still, "lawns are becoming a smaller carpet in the gar- smaller patios.) Too much paving in one place not only
den,"explains landscape architect Ken Smith.To replace looks lees garden-like but,from reflected heat,is likely to
lawn space, Smith predicts, there will be more garden raise the temperature of the garden.
paving."But if we're going to use more paving,"he is quick Garden designer Christine Roamini of 146 Angeles,who
0 add, "we're going to have to use more imagination." favors paving materials,says,"I haven't left anyone with a
The best way to use paving,Smith believes,is to spread lawn in years."In her much-admired gardens,which brim
LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE.OCTOBER 1989 47
"r
F A L E> P L A N I N G
a
gr
ye
Lawns of the future n
will be warm-season Q1
grasses that need a
much less f'
a= r B
"f water—Bermuda i
grasses, St. l
' Aug '
ustine and
especially the
Cr
hybrid Zoysias.
At Santa Barbara Botanic Garden,Byrum Canyon Prince'stands before Matdija Poppies.
with flowers and fascinating plants,paths and patios of file throughout the garden.Walling through Plan B would be
and brick take the place of lawns, providing visual and much more interesting than a stroll through Plan A.The
actual access to the garden and a vital sense of openness, colors of Plan B's paths and other paving are muted and
Where increased openness is necessary y, she uses gravel, earthy to cut glare, and much of the paving is shaded by
Partly because plants can both grow onto it or in it, and trees.
because gravel is permeable. Permeable paving is impor- Rosmini plants former lawn areae with "mixtures of
tent because it allows water to seep through to the soil low-growing plants that look like a meadow"(though they
beneath,nourishing tree and shrub roots,instead of ending can't be walked on).These include thyme and chamomile
up in puddles or rushing down a gutter. and other low-growing herbs, with dumps of statce and
Gravel mulch also can replace lawn,but only if it is used similar rugged flowers or bulbs in season poking through.
in small pools or on paths so that it does not overpower What about lawn substitutes for the less-dedicated
the design. In Arizona, gravel mulches are common; one gardener?"Large,simplistic drifts of the same plant,"says
municipality has a rebate plan to encourage their use.Too West L.A. landscape architect Robert Fletcher. He is
much gravel, however, is inadvisable, according to Greg talking not about traditional ground covers but of shrubby
McPherson assistant professor of landscape architecture plants such as raphiolepsis, natal plum, dwarf oleander,
at the University of Arizona,Tucson.McPherson reports abelia and pittosporum that shade the ground and make
that tests on quarter-scale houses and gardens indicatedinvasion by weeds (the undoing of low-growing ground
that reflected sunlight from gravel mulches increases covers) difficult
home-cooling costs 20% to 30%. The cast of cooling The University of Arizona found that such plants
interiors outweighed any savings in water—even when saved water without increasing the heat load of a garde&
compared to the amount of water expended on a thirsty Fletcher advocates placing ground-covering shrubs far
lawn--and this in an area where the cost of water is apart and using a surrounding thick organic mulch until
double what we pay the plants fill in. That keeps plants from growing to-
In many Mediterranean gardens,paths are virtually the gether too quickly and then mounding up higher than
garden,they are so important to the design.In Plan B,the planned, making maintenance difficult Also.very lithe
large, graceful paths of decomposed granite wander water is used because Plante can be irrigated efficiently
48 LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE, OCTOBEi2, 1988
b, ;mall drip emitters.
In a low-maintenance version of Plan B, the flowing
island bed between the paths could be planted with
ground-covering shrubs,also a logical choice for the front
yard, as shown in Plan B.
Fletcher has noticed two other trends in garden design:
shade structures and ornamental pond&Shade structures F
not only help to cool additional paving but also partially
,Inclose the paved areas,making them more room-like and
..Itimate. (In Plan B, the back patio is shaded by an
Arbor.) Water features,such as fountains,give a garden a
feeling of wetness and coolness,although very little water
actually is required.In other Mediterranean gardens,from
Spain to Algiers,water is essential.In Plan B,the focus of
the garden is an ornamental pond in a large pot, a spar-
kling contrast to the warm,dry,decomposed-granite pav-
ing and the sunny nature of the garden.
Santa Barbara landscape architect Isabelle C.Greene,an Penstemon spectabilis blooms in fate summer in a
admirer of Italian, Moorish and Spanish gardens, has a dry Santa Barbara Botanic Garden border.
reputation for gardens that have a distinctly Mediterra-
nean feel "I find that gardens are more comfortable and
restful if they look like they harmonize with the climate,"
she says. "I like to use the wetter and juicier and most
brightly colored plants right up neat to the windows and
doors of the house and then use the tougher, scruffier
Mediterranean plants farther away, blending them into
the native flora at the very edges."
Greene positions thirsty plants inside hedges or walls so
they do not battle—visually or culturally—with the drier
parts of the landscape. Where dry plantings abut a lawn,
she cautions,there must be a transition zone at least 3 feet
wide,or a swath of bare dirt,so that the lawn sprinklers do
not soak the dry plantings.Planta that can take water but
look as though they don't aced it are used in such transi-
tion zones. i
In Plan B,beds of roam which do best with lots of water,
are enclosed by small,formal hedges at the far end of the
garden view. Greener, "juicier" plants are close to the 7)w more handy natures in the same border are
house,including just outside the kitchen door—a kitchen Helianthus graa7entus and IIymus®erem
garden (which,of course,needs regular irrigation). Vege-
table gardens also can be segregated from drier parts of the
garden by low hedges—perhaps the aromatic myrtle com-
monly used in Mediterranean gardens.
Designer Chandler has noticed another trend: privacy.
Secluded area were important in the design of classic
Mediterranean landscapes,from totally enclosed Moorish
gardens to the high hedges of Italian Renaissance gardens.
Without a large lawn, perimeter plantings that provide
privacy can be allowed space to grow more densely.Many
shrubs and trees used for privacy today—such as oleander,
pittosporum,bottlebrush,podocarpus and privet--can get
by with little or no water.
And what of flowers?The dedicated flower gardener has
nothing to fear. With less lawn, there is also more room
for flowers In many gardens, flower beds are already
eating away into lawn areas Once established,most flow-
er;--annual or perennial—need watering once a week,no
California/ud�cia bloomamong the rock+,urhirJl
more.
This can be taken one step further. The perennial help mot roots and mnserue moisture.
LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE, OCTOBER2, 1988 49
l
flowers and small shrubs in Plan B plants. Once established, the border island bed is perfect far •a
have an appearance and demands that needs no watering in summer. In the CaliforniaBornst�
are more Mediterranean and less like spring, it is a blaze of color, at other A flower border nl e
hose found on the East Coast or in times, the border has it own natural solely to �°aadn� cotrtfosd
plantedAnglanin7the all touals and bloom in the grace. Says Bornstein "I'm trying to include all eot� s� am
g people to think about plants in other Mediterra>� dgwAtwIn
spring, because the planta are on the throughout their cycles." She wants Modeno Gardens� In
same cycle as native wildflowers and gardeners to look at the foliage color planta with low 001°p�a��
take advantage of winter rains. Many and beauty of the seed stalks and to that is a waw t mira�
gardeners consider these flowers to be observe the mounding or upright Many a moble at mo in 00 is l
the prettiest planta in the garden, form"because flowers are so ephem- dens but already ttobe�
Although many California garden- eraL" d.
ers attempt to create English-type Her native-plant border is full of
gardens, avant-garde English gar- form and foliage color, two elements �B a e. "� ode by
deners are trying their best to grow California and Mediterranean planta landscape," made by
many of the Mediterranean plants have in abundance. Gra combining marry [,AM.
Gray grasses con- conserving ideas. land.
that flourish here but drown in the trast sharply with mounding olive-
wet soils of England.Agapanthus is a green perennials and small shrubs.In- gape architect andleas Pon.
Greene
prized specimen in England, and terestingly, the gray and olive-green aibilities will
there are probably more fremonto- borders do not clash with the lawn. begin to "mine the vein m gardeners
dendrons (a choice but difficult na- "I'm not opposed to having a lawn in atenese," The result will be a water
tive) growing there than in Southern the garden,so 1 just put greener plants thrifty, sun-filled garden of sweet
California. in the front of the border, but you scents and soft, muted
At the Santa Barbara Botanic Gar- could also use a wide pathway as an eas for play or rest in tumor shade,avid
den, horticulturist Carol Bornstein edge," Bornstein explains. She sug- paths worth
has just planted an alternative,to the gears decomposed granite, because it
X10 '
typical English-inspired border--one makes a fine path and looks at home in Robert Smaus is an associate editor a
made up entirely of native California a California garden. (In Plait B, the los Angeles Tin es Magazine.
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50 LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE. OCTOBER 2, 1988