Created a Block of Low-Water, Beautiful Yards
Three Rocklin neighbors traded their dry, thirsty lawns for vibrant, colorful low-water landscapes. Hugh Barr, Bill Lund, and Kent Hoffman say they did not plan to collaborate on their lawn makeovers, but when they saw that their water provider—Placer County Water Agency—offered a Lawn and Irrigation Efficiencies Rebate program, all three neighbors decided it was time to “rethink their yards.”
“With the drought last year, we’d all scaled back on our watering and turned off our sprinklers,” says Bill. “And with the maintenance and upkeep, the water, fertilizer, everything else — having a lawn wasn’t conducive to the environment.”
“My grass was not exactly the most beautiful stuff,” adds Kent. “It needed to be ripped out anyway, but with the drought, the expense [of replacing the lawn] just didn’t make sense.”
All three homeowners applied for the PCWA Lawn and Irrigation Efficiencies Rebate in January. The process moved quickly, with planning, design and installation of the new landscaping taking about six to eight weeks to complete. Now, the neighbors are enjoying the beauty of their low-water landscapes, as well as the ease of maintenance. All three yards have drip irrigation systems, virtually eliminating watering chores. Drought-tolerant plants are the stars of all three yards, with verbena, euphorbia, lantana and even roses adding vibrant color and texture.
River rock and bark mulch prevent weeds, and come autumn, leaves can be easily blown off — no more raking the lawn. “The only thing I have to do now is to trim plants once in a while,” says Hugh.
“It also gives you independence,” Kent adds. “If we want to go away on vacation for a few weeks, with the drip irrigation system, we don’t have to worry about watering.” The homeowners agree that the investment was well worthwhile. “I think it’s an upgrade, not only for your own house but for the neighborhood,” says Bill. “The beauty of the plants and the landscape add value to your home.”
But do they miss the grass? “No!” all three neighbors heartily agree. Hugh adds, “I thought I would — but no, I don’t miss it at all.”
