Native Plants

Native plants, such as this Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii), are more drought-tolerant than those traditionally used in landscaping. Plants from the chaparral, coastal scrub and oak woodland communities are adapted to our local climate. Once established they need little more than natural rainfall. They also restore natural habitat around your home and encourage native birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects to visit your garden.

Edibles

Growing pesticide-free, fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs is possible in a home garden. Anytime you can reduce the distance your food has to travel to get to your plate you are doing an environmentally friendly thing. When food is transported, carbon dioxide emissions are released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. Also growing food without the use of pesticides cuts down on chemical contaminants in the environment.

Salvaged Materials

Salvaged materials, such as this redwood bench and recycled glass chips in the planter, divert materials from landfills and help save natural resources.

Mortarless Walls

This outdoor barbecue is mortarless, which means that the blocks are not permanently adhered to each other and can be reused later. The blocks are set on top of compacted base rock. No concrete footing is necessary. This is a plus for the sustainable-minded homeowner because concrete production has many environmental setbacks. The production of cement, one of the major components of concrete, is a very energy intensive process. Cement production also releases high amounts of carbon dioxide and dust emissions into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.

Urbanite

Concrete left from construction demolition, otherwise known as "urbanite", can be used for stacked walls. This diverts concrete from landfills and allows the concrete to be used multiple times. The concrete can also be stained to give it a more natural look.

Solar Powered

Solar features in the landscape such as fountains, bird baths, and path lights, reduce energy bills and use the earth's most sustainable energy resource- the sun! LED landscape lights also offer another energy efficient lighting option.

Recycled Tire Mulch

Mulch made from recycled tires diverts waste from landfills and makes a soft surface for play areas, such as around this sandbox.

Recycled Furniture

Furniture made from recycled materials, like these chairs made from recycled milk jugs, make use of materials that would otherwise take up space in landfills.