SACRAMENTO, CA. Luciole Design's recently concluded Sustainable Landscape Design lecture series was a success, drawing people from the Sacramento region to learn about various aspects of sustainable design.
The first lecture, held at the now defunct sageHaus green building materials store, gave an overview of the principles of sustainable design and highlighted some ways in which to make our landscapes more earth friendly.
Another lecture, hosted by Sierra View Nursery in Rocklin, demonstrated some interesting plants for the Central Valley that grow well here without too much water or maintenance. Many of the plants deserve to be better known and used, especially those that can replace invasive exotic species such as periwinkle, honeysuckle and ivy. Plants such as creeping raspberry (Rubus pentalobus), hairy canary clover (Dorycnium hirsutum) can be used as ground covers along with ornamental grasses and perennials to create interesting landscapes.
Cornflower Farms in Elk Grove hosted another plant talk, this time focusing more on native plants, the nursery's specialty. The talk also included a tour of the nursery's gardens which feature native sedges used as lawn substitutes.
A presentation at the American River Water Education Center covered maintenance of low water use plants. Although these plants are considered low maintenance, this does not mean that they should be left untended. These plants typically require intense maintenance and pruning back at specific times of the year, and little or no maintenance outside these periods. The talk was followed by a tour of the Center's demonstration garden, with tips on how many of the plants should be maintained.
The final lecture focused on efficient irrigation systems, and included an overview of irrigation equipment currently on the market, what each piece does, how to put a typical system together, and how to program a controller to reduce water use. A new state law covering irrigation systems scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2010 was briefly covered as well.
2009 Sustainable Design Lecture Series a Success
California State Flower & Garden Show awards Silver medal to Luciole Design
SACRAMENTO, CA. The awarded garden, titled "Gateways to California" features a moon gate and red walls. The garden symbolizes the impact of various cultures on the California lifestyle, and also features Spanish inspired mosaics and native plants.
Luciole Design garden wins a bronze metal at the 2010 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
SAN MATEO, CA. The sustainable garden, featuring many low maintenance edible plants, a dining area and a small gathering spot, earned a bronze medal at the yearly event.