During our last ‘Going Green without Going into the Red’ free lecture, I mentioned a few ideas that can save you money while still enjoying an eco-friendly garden.

Here’s a recap of the top ten tips:

1)     Do the job right the first time.

a)     Have a plan and a plan of action.

b)     A landscape designer is a great first point of contact when you are ready to update your current landscape or plan a new one. Remember, if you are going to redesign the entire landscape eventually, it is best to have the full design done all at one time so that a cohesive look can be accomplished throughout the property.

i)      Designers typically offer different services and different rates. Choose the best option for your project and situation.

(1)  Express Garden is a cost-effective way to get a sustainable and beautiful garden plan in as little as one to two affordable appointments.

c)     Installation can be completed in stages rather than all at once, or even at a later date. Having a plan will allow you to get competitive bids and take action when the time is right for you.

2)     Know yourself, your talents and budget.

a)     Do you want to do some of the work yourself? Do you have the time?

i)      Planting parties

ii)    Buying smaller sized plants (especially California natives) will work to your advantage. They grow at a similar rate to their larger counter parts and cost less.

(1)  Don’t forget about native wildflower seeds for a quick burst of fill-in color.

b)     Budget. It is not considered ‘showing your cards’ to discuss your budget with your designer. In fact, when you are upfront about your available finances, you save your designer time (and design fees) by allowing them to create within your goals.

i)      Remember that you can always install in phases. Look at your priorities and perhaps start with one section of the plan like the area most viewed from the house (the kitchen, living room or bedroom window) or the part you would use the most.

3)     Save water

a)     Our population is growing, yet our water supplies remain the same. Also we are in a 3-year drought.

b)     Remove or reduce your lawn now and apply a heavy mulch to prepare and nourish the ground for later plantings.

i)      Sheet mulching

ii)    Plant a nitrogen-fixing temporary plant (cover-crop), or a low-mow, low-water grass or groundcover.

c)     Have an irrigation audit- how much water do you really need?

d)     Upgrade your irrigation system and timer.

4)     Reuse materials

a)     Reuse existing materials in different ways to save resources and money. Ask a designer for some specific ideas for your property when he or she arrives for your consultation.

5)     Go Native!

a)     Many California native plants require less water and maintenance than non-natives. You not only save water, but you save time spent pruning and mowing. Natives typically do not require special soil amendments and prefer not to be fertilized. This translates into more savings on materials and a safer, non-toxic environment.

6)     Buy local.

a)     When you do bring in new materials for your project, ask your designer where they originate from and try to buy from local sources.

7)     Rebates

a)     If you live in Santa Clara County you may qualify for a rebate of $.75 per square foot of lawn or impervious pavement that is removed and replaced with drought tolerant plants or permeable hardscape. That’s free money towards new plants and/or new irrigation!

8)     Hire an arborist or aesthetic pruner to reveal your current garden

a)     Never underestimate what a profession can do to help you see your existing landscape in a new way.

9)     Plant a tree

a)     Work with your designer to choose a specimen or screening tree that will give you years of enjoyment while shading the hottest side of your home. “Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home.” -Source: American Public Power Association

b)     Don’t forget to shade your air conditioner from direct sun too.

10) Resale Value

a)     Landscaping is a great home investment. “Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent at selling time. Kitchen remodeling brings a 75 to 125 percent recovery rate, bathroom remodeling a 20 to 120 percent recovery rate, and addition of a swimming pool a 20 to 50 percent recovery rate.” -Source: Money Magazine

I found this great article written by local landscape designer, Judy Maier who is also a horticulturalist, estate landscape manager, fine-aesthetic pruner, artist and member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. www.judysgardens.com

Maier’s ideas are perfect for today’s client who still desires a new garden but may not be able to afford full-scale design services.

If you want new landscaping but feel you have to put your plans on hold until the economy turns around, don’t let go of your intentions and dreams. Consider the following alternative thoughts on landscape plans.

• Have an initial consultation with a landscape designer on renovating your current landscape or planning a new one.

• Ask a garden designer about the different services he or she provides for clients, the design process and the best options for your project and situation.

• If you plan to redesign and install a new landscape, get started with the first phase of that process, the planning and design stage. It will give you plenty of time to work on this important step before moving on to installation. Installation can be completed in stages rather than all at once, or even at a later date, but you will now have a plan in hand, ready to take action when the time is ripe.

• If you are not ready or don’t need a full-scale design, consider renovating, adding or deleting to create new spaces and a fresh feel.

• For a sustainable approach, reuse existing materials in different ways to save resources and money. Ask a designer for some specific ideas for your property when he or she comes to visit.

• Have pots or a bed designed to put sparkle back in the garden.

• Design your garden and install a section of it, perhaps the part most viewed from the house – the kitchen, living room or bedroom window – or the part you would most use.

• Perhaps your current garden has potential that a fine gardener or pruner can help reveal with the right care.

• Have an irrigation specialist conduct an irrigation audit.

Remember, if you are going to redesign the entire landscape eventually, it is best to have the full design done at once so that a cohesive design can be installed throughout the property. Again, installation can be done in phases or at a later date.

Depending on the specific situation, there are things a contractor can do to prepare for the job or to maintain the current landscape until you are ready for installation.

The following preinstallation measures could also conserve water and lower your water bill.

• Remove the lawn now and apply a heavy mulch to prepare and nourish the ground for planting later. Plant a nitrogen-fixing temporary planting, or a low-mow, low-water grass or groundcover.

• Upgrade the irrigation clock. There are new timers, “Smart Controllers,” on the market that can read the weather and automatically adjust a system accordingly.

• Upgrade the irrigation system, installing a drip or other low-water emission system if appropriate. If you plan to install a new landscape, this is one of the first steps after grading.

Due to these economic times, I have created a new service called Express Garden to allow clients a cost-effective way to gain professional landscape design expertise starting with one  onsite visit. By scheduling our meeting at your site, it takes less time – saving you money. An Express Garden gives you the tools and a plan of action to get you started on your garden project immediately.

Whether you do-it-yourself or hire a contractor, your landscape is an important investment. It is essential to have a design professional on your side to help you maximize your finances while enhancing your home’s value.