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!

The Outside Inn in Nevada City...my happy place

Just a had a family getaway to NC after Christmas. This little motel (http://www.outsideinn.com/) is my favorite spot for a quick trip. Aside from being in town (walking/stumbling distance to lots of fun spots), and having beautiful gardens,  it's a super comfortable and cute little place with rooms and cottages that have everything you need.  They have great spots around the property to hang out and enjoy the outdoors, so is perfect for a trip with the kids or even better, girls weekends. Hmmm...I think it's time to put another one of those together...

Happy endings :)

If you have taken a peek at my website (http://www.katebowersdesign.com/) then you may have seen the before and after pics of this fantastic project. My friend and neighbor asked me to help her design a yard worthy of the new, beautiful addition to her home. After lots of talking, shopping and planning we put together a fabulous but simple front yard that will give her and her family a place to hang out when outside and enjoy the view while inside looking out. I personally learned a lot of valuable lessons about how to work with contractors and keep focused on what the client wants. I truly appreciated the opportunity to create this yard and to help put the finishing touches on their home.



Things you have to do on the way to North Shore....

So I snuck up with friends to Reno this week. Drove through Truckee and found an awesome, funky little wine shop and tasting room. Be sure to stop in The Pour House http://thepourhousetruckee.com/. It's one street above the main drag and has cheese, wine accessories and a whole lotta wine crammed into a small space. Picked up some yummy Grenache and a Tempranillo at a great (like Trader Joe's great) price. We maintained control of our wine intake and then made our way up hwy 267 past Northstar to the newish and fabulous Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LakeTahoe.  We just wanted to take a look around but ended spending over an hour in the restaurant (OK at the bar, but it's all in the same room) where we had some great French Pinot Noir, Butternut Squash soup, an incredible cheese plate and other treats the chef offered to us to try. It's a ski in-ski out resort with a huge heated pool at the end of the run. I actually had to keep my friend from jumping fully clothed into the hot, steamy pool since it was a very cold day there up above Truckee and we weren't really dressed for the weather. The entire resort is absolutely gorgeous so take a moment to take a little time check it out when you visiting Tahoe!

Off and Blogging

OK I'm really starting my blog today! Because I want everyone to enjoy this page- not just other plant dorks- I'll be letting you know about fun local events (at nurseries, wineries, festivals, etc) as well as sharing info on current projects that I'm involved with through my brand new Landscape & Garden Design business (http://www.katebowersdesign.com/).  I'll also be throwing in a tip or two here and there about seasonal gardening and ideas for your own yards. Thanks for coming to visit me here at my blog!