Reimagining the California Lawn: Water-Conserving Plants, Practices, and Designs

Carol Bornstein

Carol Bornstein’s “Reimagining the California Lawn: Water-Conserving Plants, Practices, and Designs” is a timely and essential guide, addressing the critical need for water-wise landscaping in California. It offers a comprehensive approach to transforming traditional, water-intensive lawns into sustainable and aesthetically pleasing landscapes.

Here’s a breakdown of the book’s key themes:

• Challenging the Traditional Lawn: Bornstein confronts the conventional notion of a lush, green lawn, highlighting its environmental impact and advocating for alternative landscaping approaches.
• Water Conservation Focus: The book places a strong emphasis on water conservation, providing practical strategies for reducing water use in landscapes. This includes plant selection, irrigation techniques, and soil management practices.
• Alternative Plant Selections: Bornstein introduces a wide array of water-conserving plants that can replace traditional lawns, including native grasses, ground covers, and drought-tolerant perennials. She provides detailed information on plant characteristics, cultivation requirements, and landscape uses.
• Sustainable Landscape Design: The book explores principles of sustainable landscape design, emphasizing the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes that minimize environmental impact. This includes considerations for plant placement, soil management, and water harvesting.
• Practical Implementation: Bornstein provides practical guidance on implementing water-conserving landscaping practices, including soil preparation, planting, irrigation, and maintenance. She offers step-by-step instructions and real-world examples.
• Regional Adaptations: California’s diverse climate zones are accounted for, and Bornstein provides regionalized information.

In essence, “Reimagining the California Lawn” serves as an invaluable resource for California homeowners and landscape professionals seeking to create beautiful and sustainable landscapes that conserve water and support the environment.