Native Landscapes On The Rise, and Why
People are able to thrive in spaces where they know they belong, they thrive because there are factors in that space that allow them to be the best version of yourself. That is the same idea behind native landscapes. A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction. Native plants have formed symbiotic relationships with native wildlife/ climates and therefore offer the most sustainable habitat. Native landscapes are rising in popularity in California, the rise is driven by many different factors. Those being the rebate programs available, drought regulations, low maintenance, and the biggest one being able to thrive at a low cost.
Eye Catching, Low Maintenance
Everyone wants a space that is attractive to the eye, too many it means major investments in either time/ money. With a native landscape it can thrive in the conditions of your region. That means less supplemental watering, and low maintenance, all being much more cost/ time effective. In California, it is easy to assume cacti are the only drought-tolerant plants, but what many fail to know is that California has an endless variety of colorful/ beautiful plants.
Rebates/ Process
Due to the drought, California has not been able to get over, California and all its Counties have enforced
new regulations that are meant to help California save water. With those new regulations, they also are offering rebates to replace turf with drought-friendly spaces. The rebates offered have different qualifications depending on your city. The California rebate is $2 or more per square foot for up to 5,000 square feet of lawn converted in your front or back yard (Your water agency may offer an additional rebate incentive) To follow thru with the rebate project your plan must include Three California Friendly plants per 100 square feet of lawn transformed (list of acceptable plants
https://www.bewaterwise.com/california-
native-plants.html ) a stormwater retention feature to help keep water in your yard when it rains (link to different options https://www.bewaterwise.com/turf-replacement-program.html#sustainable-landscaping-approaches) hardscapes that allow water to flow through the surface and slowly filter into the ground and lastly a replacement or modification of overhead spray sprinklers to a more water-efficient irrigation system.
