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Most conventional landscapes allow water to run off their garden and most often this approach wastes water. With this watershed wise approach to landscaping, your design would be able to retain rainwater and also minimize the need for supplemental irrigation. These amazing gardens require less water but do not look dry at all. In fact, they are, "attractive, lush, and evergreen." Designers say to achieve this there are three easy steps.

Step one is to use healthy living soil because it captures rainwater. "Healthy living soil is made by adding compost to you soil, covering you garden with mulch, and by avoiding soil disturbance as much as possible.

Step two is to chose climate appropriate plants that will reduce the need for irrigation. ...

If you ever wanted or needed an incentive to make your garden less water-consuming, then you've found one. The Metropolitan Water District is offering a new program, called Landscape Transformation Program -- It promotes water use reduction and sustainability! As a result of the success of other programs, "the new Landscape Transformation Program aims to combine turf removal, irrigation modification and rainwater retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater." Also, depending on the type of methods used in the landscape transformation project there is a chance of elgibility for a rebate.

For more information on this exciting new program, eligibity for rebates and other guidelines visit www.socalwatersmart.com!

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Imagine a gorgeous garden: one that requires less water, but doesn’t look dry. It is attractive, lush, and evergreen—because the designer followed the principles of the watershed approach to landscaping.

The Watershed Approach was created by the Association of Professional Landscapers (APLD) and offers an innovate water-wise solution to landscaping.

For more information on this approach, check out the APLD's free handbook that walks you through how to utilize this method yourself.

We are active members of the APLD and proud to support John Beaudry as he receives two different awards!

For any questions or concerns, give us a call!

Hello San Diego Community,

I am honored to announce my new book launching soon. I wanted to introduce it to my community personally.

The title of my book is Garden Sanctuary: Designing for Comfort, Wholeness and Connection. It is a how-to garden design book that takes the reader on a transformative journey around creating their own personal connection to nature.

From the introduction: "This book presents a comprehensive explanation of the garden design process. It distills the process into a series of concrete steps. Unlike many garden design books that feature pretty pictures and flowery text, Garden Sanctuary presents a comprehensive explanation of the design process, along with hands-on tools that anyone—from the average homeo...

Dear valued member of our community,

I have a vision. My vision is that everyone is connected to nature and to each other. My commitment is that by the year 2025, every major city in the USA will have an ordinance requiring green roofs on new construction and programs to incentivize them as well.

Of the fifteen benefits of green roofs, Storm water Management alone can be enough to offset costs to allow incentives for green roofs.

Community Green will serve as a toolbox for cities offering strategies for interfacing green roofing systems with storm water management systems.

I am writing to give you an update on progress.

Community Green recently filed for non-profit status for the organization.

Personally, I am registered in the Being a Leader course with Werner Erhard beginning next week in LA. In this 8 day course, we take on a project, or a portion of a larger project. Here is a link to the course: http://beingaleader-ucla.com

My project for the course is to acquire ten partners in my organization. I am looking for sponsorship from manufacturers of green roofing systems, board members for the organization, and individuals who are lit up by my vision.

I remain open to your suggestions, inspiration, or a quick hello. I will keep you updated and may make more specific requests of you in the future.

Keeping it green,

John Beaudry

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John Beaudry

Garden Artist, Landscape Contractor, Author

Connect with me!

619-966-8876

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PS If you or someone you know someone who may want to contribute, please don't hesitate to reach out as we create a greener Earth together.

Residents in San Diego County now can receive $2.75 per square foot for replacing turf with sustainable landscaping features as part of a new Landscape Transformation Program launched today across Southern California.

John Beaudry and his team have proven experience in replacing turf with beautiful and sustainable landscaping. Check out our gallery for examples of our work!

The Landscape Transformation program is a two-part application process. In order to receive a rebate, you must apply to reserve rebate funds prior to starting your project. After the reservation, you will have 180 days to complete the project and submit your request for a rebate.

Get details at https://hwd.com/2-75-sq-ft-incentive-available-for-turf-removal-act-fa...

The first thing people notice when visiting your home is the landscape and exterior. You want this area of your home to look it’s very best. For most homes, the way to enter the dwelling is via a walkway. There are ways to enhance a standard walkway, adding more value as well as visual interest to the home. By simply reviewing the landscape design tips below, you can find ways to change the look of your walkway with ease.

Add Some Lighting

A simple way to enhance the walkway towards the entrance of your home is with lighting. From solar lighting to electrical options, there are ways you can add light to enhance the walkway during the evening hours. Lighting can create a new look visually as well as have the added benefit of helping you walk into the home at night. Add pathway lighting for a streamlined look or a nice lamppost at the entrance for a unique look. There are many products available today to assist in adding lighting to walkways for a new look in the home.

Accentuate with Floral Color

Adding florals can easily create a new look for your walkway, by providing color. You can create a lining of flowers along the side of your walkway that creates visual interest and appeal. Choose to work with one color or type of flower or mix it up to create a unique look that can only be found at your home. You already have the base created with the walkway, so add in florals along the sides to bring in a bit of color to your landscaping.

Try Modified Wood Furniture

If you have a long walkway leading up to your home, how about adding in modified wood furniture along the way? Perhaps you have space where you can add in furniture so that you can enjoy a spot in your yard. Walkways that have winding paths can easily see furniture added within a curve or larger area of the path. Think about how you can add furniture near your walkway for added visual interest. A simple bench or chair seating can create a point of relaxation in your yard as well as help to bring together the overall design of your landscaping.

Consider Decorative Columns

One of the most important parts of any property is the landscaping. Making up a large part of a home’s curb appeal, landscaping also accounts for approximately 20% of a home’s value. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your landscaping is well-maintained year-round to maximize your home’s potential.

Summer is the ideal time to do the bulk of your landscaping work, with the warmer temperatures and longer days meaning you can get more work done outdoors. Use these five tips to help make the most of your landscaping maintenance.

Prune

Late July is one of the most recommended times of year to do the pruning in your yard. Bushes, plants, and trees have a tendency to become overgrown, shaggy, and disheveled if lef...

I was asked to write this article by Illinois Homes

Check out my interview, Expert Tips on Landscape Design on Illinois Homes, one of the top sites for Illinois Real Estate, including Plainfield, IL real estate. Illinois Homes also services Wisconsin real estate and Pennsylvania real estate.