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
