A Lawn Revolution: Water-Wise Landscapes in California
Take a look at the amazing array of drought-resistant lawns designed by Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape Company of Oakland, Calif.
By:
Amy Keyishian
Meadow Soprano
On the East Coast, there's the prairie movement; here in Northern California, a similar return to naturally occurring meadows would mean more environmental stability.
Contrasting Textures
The grass clumps are Muhlenbergia Rigens, surrounded by wood mulch, next to a path made of decomposed granite, which complements the dormant grass in color.
Emerald Waves of Grain
When Carex Pansa gets long enough, it lays down gently to create wave-like forms. Wildflowers such as Cistus Purpureus are a gentle yet spectacular complement.
Two Kinds of Grass
At left, Festuca Rubra, which stays green. At right, Nasella Pulchrum, which goes dormant in the summer.
A Beautiful Compromise
This lawn has the traditional Dwarf Tall Fescue lawn to the right — but only one patch of it. The rest is Iris Douglasiana (foreground) and Festuca Californica (rear), with stones and mulch for variety.
Wildflowers in Bloom
Salvia Clevelandii is a common flowering shrub that blooms all summer.
Cat Not Included
The grass here is Festuca idahoensis, with lavandula vera (not in bloom — it's a fuzzy purple stalk of a flower) and a gravel path.
Strange Flowerbed-Fellows
Festuca rubra grass with the wildflower Erigeron glauca, also known as the seaside daisy.
Native Pride
The state flower, California Poppy, with Salvia clevelandii in bloom.
