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

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

Photo By: Michael Thilgen and Four Dimensions Landscape

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.

Shop This Look

Powered By:Wayfair.com
We may make 💰 from these links.

Next Up

12 Golden Opportunities to Experience California 12 Photos

5 Tips for Wow-Worthy Landscape Photos 7 Photos

13 Most Beautiful Natural Landscapes in America 13 Photos

We Recommend

Simply Succulents: A Water-Wise Landscaping Solution for Los Angeles

Real Californians Have Drought-Resistant Lawns

More ...

GAC Family

HGTV Sites

<p>75+ Handmaid Holiday Decor Ideas</p>

75+ Handmaid Holiday Decor Ideas

DIY Network

Travel Channel

Food Network