Hello Westside Gardeners!
This article is a continuation from my last article, the many functions and drawbacks of turfgrass here in the Westside.
Today, I would like to discuss practical solutions to create a garden with little to no turfgrass.
As mentioned from my previous article, lawns often account for a significant portion of a property’s landscape and when you remove or reduce an area of turfgrass you may be surprised how much space you have to work with.
Before making any decisions, start by itemizing your short- and long-term goals for the site.
If you’re seeking a landscape that is perhaps more visually complex and features some specimen plants, a succulent, rock or tapestry garden could be the answer.
If you’re interested in food production and your lawn occupies a sunny area, a kitchen garden may be an enticing option.
Some spaces contain ample room for more than one composition. You might design a carpet of drought tolerant perennials that backs up to a rock garden or create a greensward that is tucked into a meadow.
My recommendation is to hire a landscape professional, such as a landscape contractor, architect or a simple knowledgeable designer.
A vital step in designing any garden is to conduct a thorough inventory of the site, including its microclimate, soil type, patterns of light and shadow over the course of the year, air movement and other features such as dry spots or poorly draining wet zones.
Consider having your soil tested if you are unsure of its pH, texture, chemical composition, potential contamination, compaction level and drainage.
For both budgeting and planning, you will need to decide whether your vision for the new garden includes hardscape features such as a patio, boulder placements, steppingstones, gravel pathways or retaining walls.
Once you have settled upon a design and prepared the site, get your new garden off to the best possible start by planting in late autumn and winter. This is optimum time here in the Westside. Cooler temperatures and the onset of winter rains.
Regardless of the plant material and irrigation system for your new landscape, mulching offers an easy and cost-effective way to help retain soil moisture and nutrients to the soil.
The most important step after plant installation, irrigation and mulching, is maintenance, which includes keeping up on weed eradication, monitoring the irrigation and selective pruning.
Anyone out there considering removing their turfgrass and considering introducing a new landscape, feel free to contact me.
I am a California certified Master Gardener, Arborist, Landscape Technician and Architect.
— Mark Koehler of Los Banos is an arborist and master gardener, who has degrees in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Horticulture from UC Berkeley and Northeastern University. Please send any questions or comments to markgardenguru@gmail.com.
