Roseville Cash for Grass Program

I get asked about this program often...in a nutshell the city pays you up to $1000 for taking out your water-hogging lawn, and replacing it with low-water alternatives. I think many people want to cut their water use and bill, but are afraid that a lawn-free yard equals a gravel and cactus wasteland- which isn't the case at all!  I know the concept is hard to accept for some, including my own family. I'm still lobbying to take out our front sod. It makes sense to have some backyard grass area for kids and pets, of course, but most of us don't need lawn in the front yard for any practical reason.  Why have we all grown up thinking a green lawn is the ideal? Below is a great explanation of where it all started by blogger, Seth Godin:

"The reason you have a front lawn? It's a tradition. Lawns were invented as a way for the landed gentry to demonstrate that they could afford to waste land. By taking the land away from the grazing sheep, they were sending a message to their neighbors. We're rich, we can happily waste the opportunity to make a few bucks from our front lawn."

This idea was transferred to Americans as how a front yard was supposed to look as we developed our suburbs. As far as high maintenance plants in your landscape, your sod is probably at the top of the list- it needs constant mowing, fertilizing and more water than any other living thing in your yard. It makes sense to have some sod for kids and pets, of course, but most of us don't need lawn in the front yard. There are a few low water and lower maintenance grasses on the market now, as well, if you still crave a little lawn in your landscape. If you are considering enrolling in the city's Cash for Grass program please check out their website first, and don't rip out or kill your lawn before you get accepted in the program or you won't be eligible to be compensated. If you need help visualizing what you'll do with all of that new open space, I'm here to help!  You can contact me at info@katebowersdesign.com

Link: City of Roseville Cash for Grass Website

Happiness is...

...a yard of organic compost from Sierra Rock in Roseville in the back of my truck!  I'm sure not all of you get excited about this type of thing, but I really do. Spring is a great time to add plants to your landscape, but before you put anything in the ground do yourself a favor and dig in some compost or other amendment rich in organic material before you do. Our heavy clay soil is the reason many plants have a hard time flourishing or even surviving in our yards. In bulk or by the bag, soil amendments are absolutely necessary if you don't want to see the money you spent at the nursery eventually ending up in the green waste can!