Need a no/low water front yard solution
by
Michael
+8
Hello,
I'm in California and we're are in a pretty big drought. My front yard has such a small space, and it's rather neglected because I don't have tons of time on my hand. I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas to redo the front yard in a way that will help reduce my water usage but still look nice. I would love to get some suggestions here. I'm completely open and yes all the grass can go.
Thanks so much.
I'm in California and we're are in a pretty big drought. My front yard has such a small space, and it's rather neglected because I don't have tons of time on my hand. I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas to redo the front yard in a way that will help reduce my water usage but still look nice. I would love to get some suggestions here. I'm completely open and yes all the grass can go.
Thanks so much.
11 answers
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You could go with desert landscaping in the front for the neighbors and keep the grass in the back for the family. You don't need to water rocks.
Jane
on Apr 13, 2015
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Desert landscaping can be very nice. A dry 'stream bed', large rocks (you can even make some faux rocks if need be), drift wood, a couple of tree stumps with a board across them for a natural bench and plants that grow naturally in your area will be the toughest against drought. It's such a tiny space, it wouldn't take much to transform it into a very low water area. Another thought is fake grass. There are some amazing products out there these days that truly look just like grass... but you never have to water or mow. Tempting! Sure hope you guys get some rain soon!
Kayte
on Apr 13, 2015
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From a former CA water conservation specialist: 1. can do gradually, start with the area the farthest downslope. Install drip irrigation as all plants need water to establish. Use a landscape fabric not plastic as an underlayment. Research plant material, you are looking for low water use plants not "desert" or all cactus. Mulch between plants with an undyed natural material and limit hardscape (rocks, sand), as it will increase outside heat and therefore air conditioning costs. In areas where hardscape is required use pea gravel. It can be weeded with a hula hoe without disturbing landscape fabric. Weeds grow in the wind blown dirt caught in crevices of larger rock, sand for hardscape will blow away or was away in the rain. Accessorize as Kayte suggested. Drought resistant is not the same as low water use. Recommend avoidance of those types of plants
Kbee
on Apr 13, 2015
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Contact your local green house, county extension office and your county/ government for up to date info. Nothing at all replaces do some research and making a few phone calls.
Hope Williams
on Apr 14, 2015
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My aunt lived in San Diego. Can't tell you the extent she went to trying to have grass in her front yard. Never understood why. There's was a prolific dark green plant she called Ice Plant growing on the (levee ?) nearby. Suggested she transplant some of it and add a few stepping stones, etc. No go - despite an on-going and never successful obsession with grass. LOL
Marion Nesbitt
on Apr 14, 2015
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Glad to hear that you are looking for eco friendly landscape. You might want to check with you extension office. We have something in FL that is called FL Friendly Landscape and I found this site on line for CA, http://ucanr.edu/sites/cvlandscape/Central_Valley_Friendly_Guidelines/Required_Practices/ hope it helps
Leona G
on Apr 14, 2015
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Fake grass in the middle and zero scape desert plants around edges
Laurie
on Apr 14, 2015
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Google Xeriscape for plant suggestions.
Lindcurt
on Apr 15, 2015
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Just thought I'd show an idea of what I was talking about. (So much easier for me if I can 'see'. :) ) Low water, drought resistant plants can be quite beautiful and really turn your yard into a show place, instead of a patch of grass that requires more water. I fully agree with others that have said 'no gravel'. It acts as a heat sink and will make it so you need the a/c way more. Personally, I think large rocks scattered here and there add a lot to the look.
Kayte
on Apr 15, 2015
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You could very easily do a rock path based yard, using drought-resistant plants (succulents are your friend!). Pulling the gray from your home into the path and punching it up with a few shocks of coloured arrangements of different heights would really be lovely. Here's a link to a few different kinds, but really, there are many: http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/low-water-plants/view-all . Droughts and drought-like conditions don't have to be the end all to a beautiful yard, you can avoid the dried lawn and desert look within an afternoon.
Brittany Larissa Punches
on Apr 15, 2015
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We live in Fresno, and we are in the same boat as you without water. We water our lawn with 3rd used water. You know when you turn your tub water or shower on you get about 1 gallon before the water is ready? Put a bucket, or we like - plastic kitty litter containers the kind that have the new litter in them? OK? When they are empty put them in the shower under the faucet and catch that water. There's a handle so its easy to take out and put another one in. Use that water if you have floors to mop. Then take that dirty water and throw it on your lawn. Now, you just used the same water 3 times. The detergent does not harm your lawn. If you have hanging pots you can use the water straight from the shower. Now us, we have a pond, when we refresh the water in the pond, we pump that used water onto our garden and back yard.
Rosanne Cannon-Schiedel
on Apr 16, 2015
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