Garden And Landscape Design

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Irrigator watering greenhouse plants
SoCal Urban Food Production Blog: Article

Share Your Insights, Receive a Free Water & Nutrient Efficiency Checkup!

August 8, 2025
By Amrita Mukherjee, Grant E Johnson, Esther N Lofton
UC Davis and UCANR, with support from the CDFA’s Water-Energy Technology Assistance (WETA) program, are inviting California protected agriculture growers—whether hydroponic, using drip irrigation, liquid feed fertilizers, or recycling water—to take a short survey on water and nutrient management. The 15–20…
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Drip lines and mulch conserve water in the ornamental garden. Laura Lukes
The Real Dirt: Article

Keeping Plants Alive When Water is Scarce

July 29, 2025
It hasn’t been a terrible summer, yet it’s been some time since we have seen rain in our area, and some of your plants may be suffering. While you might not be able to save them all, you can take precautions in your garden that will save the plants it makes sense to save, define your gardening priorities,…
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Los diseños y beneficios de los materiales permeables
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Materiales Permeables: Un Enfoque Sostenible para las Aguas Pluviales

July 28, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
 Las superficies impermeables, como el hormigón o el asfalto, han permitido el desarrollo urbano a gran escala en todo el sur de California al proporcionar cimientos estables para las estructuras de los edificios, facilitar el movimiento eficiente de peatones y vehículos, y transportar rápidamente el…
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Designs and benefits of permeable materials
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Permeable Materials: A Sustainable Approach to Stormwater

July 28, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
Impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, have enabled large-scale urban development throughout Southern California by providing stable foundations for building structures, facilitating the efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles, and promptly transporting rainwater away from buildings and…
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Irrigation
Smart Water Living: Urban Water Use Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Smart Irrigation Month: A Call to Action for Water Efficiency in California

July 24, 2025
By Esther N Lofton
Why Smart Irrigation Matters Now More Than Ever As Southern California enters the peak of summer, water agencies, utilities, and residents are turning their attention to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—sustainable water use. July is officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a…
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California wild rose in the Wildlife Habitat Garden at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch. Brent McGhie
The Real Dirt: Article

Naturescaping

July 22, 2025
Imagine a garden designed to focus on creating natural wildlife habitat. Why not eliminate turf grass from your own garden and replace it with trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that benefit wildlife? Welcome to Naturescaping, a method of landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist. By growing…
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a garden with different types of summer perennials
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Some of My Bay Area Perennial Favorites

July 13, 2025
By Jim Farr
The Bay Area is a rich climate for having color all year from perennials. We highlight a few of our favorites if you're looking to enjoy bountiful color in your garden.
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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Five Steps to Avoid Becoming the Problem in Your Vegetable Garden

June 26, 2025
By Robin E Martin
Five Steps to Avoid Becoming THE Problem in YOUR Vegetable Garden. I have been growing my own vegetables for the last thirty years. I have grown vegetables in the ground, raised beds, and containers. During those years I have enjoyed good and bad harvests. Sometimes the problems which resulted in a poor…
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A piece of artwork by Kim Abeles of trees on a city map.
Green Blog: Article

Art show celebrates cool contributions of LA trees

June 26, 2025
By Caroline D Champlin
Shade equity is the inspiration for a new art exhibition at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge called “Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World.”
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